UNIVERSmy
PENNSYL\^^NIA.
UBKARIES
uAaaJ) J. <^(ZoA^-e^
TWENTY-FIFTH PRESIDENT OF THE PENNSYLVANIA-GERMAN SOCIETY.
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PROCEEDINGS AND ADDRESSES
AT
LANCASTER, PA., NOVEMBER 13, 19H
Vol. XXV.
PUBLISHED BY THE SOCIETY
1917
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H.i^5"
ipubUcatfon Committee
JULIUS F. SACHSE, LITT.D.
DANIEL W. NEAD, M.D.
J. E. B. BUCKEKHAM, M.D.
Copyrighted 19x7
BY
The Pennsylvania-German Society
PRESS OF
THE NEW ERA PRINTING COMPANY
LANCASTER, PA.
UNIVERSITY
OF
PENNSYLVANIA
LIBRARIES
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGE
Contents ^
Officers of the Society ^
Minutes of the Meeting at Lancaster 5
Report of Secretary, Prof. George T. Ettinger .... 6
Report of Treasurer, J. E. Burnett Buckenham 7 7 \ _ ^
Death of Col. Thomas C. Zimmerman 10
President's Address ic
Report of Committee on Bibliography 26
Election of Officers 28
Biographical Sketches of Deceased Members .... 33
Ipennsplbania — The German Influence in its Settle-
ment AND Development.
Part XXVII. The Diarium of Magister Johannes
Kelplus.
The Braddock Expedition.
■•Zi"i^-.. i
OFFICERS OF THE SOCIETY
FOR 1914-1915.
President :
Hon. William U. Hensel, Litt.D., LL.D.
(Died February 27, 191 5.)
Hon. Harman Yerkes.
Vice-Presidents :
William F. Muhlenberg, M.D., LL.D.
(Died August 25, 1915.)
Albert K. Hostetter.
Secretary :
Prof. George T. Ettinger, Ph.D.,
Allentown, Pa.
Treasurer :
J. E. Burnett Buckenham, M.D.,
Chestnut Hill, Philadelphia.
Executive Committee:
Terms Expire 191 5.
Daniel W. Nead, M.D.
George A. Gorgas, Esq.
Rev. John Baer Stoudt.
Terms Expire 191 6.
Naaman H. Keyser, D.D.S.
William K. T. Sahm, M.D.
Benjamin F. Fackenthal, Jr., Sc.D.
Terms Expire 19 17.
Abraham S. Schropp, Esq.
Prof. Albert G. Rau, Ph.D.
Porter W. Shimer, Ph.D.
Terms Expire 191 8.
Rev. Theodore E. Schmauk, D.D., LL.D.
Rev. Nathan C. Schaeffer, Ph.D., D.D., LL.D.
Ulysses S. Koons, Esq.
Terms Expire 1919.
Rev. L. Kryder Evans, D.D.
Julius F. Sachse, Litt.D.
Charles R. Roberts, Esq.
,^i(«anil«i;;;>Wi(l^''S'.**BSti?w
REPORT OF THE PROCEEDINGS
OF THE
Pennsylvania-German Society
AT ITS
TWENTY-FOURTH ANNUAL MEETING
Held in the First Reformed Church, Lancaster, Pa.,
On Friday, November 13, 1914.
-TtHE first session of the Twenty-fourth Annual Meet-
^^ ing of the Pennsylvania-German Society was called
to order by the President, Dr. Julius F. Sachse, in the
First Reformed Church, Lancaster, Pa., at half past ten
o'clock, on Friday morning, November 13, 19 14, In the
presence of an excellent gathering of members and friends
of the Society.
After a hearty welcome had been extended to the Society
on the part of the authorities of the city of Lancaster, an
earnest Invocation was offered by Rev. John S. Stahr, D.D,,
LL.D., a former President of the Society. Upon motion
duly made and seconded the reading of the minutes of the
last annual meeting was dispensed with.
The President thereupon called for the annual report of
the Secretary, which here follows In full.
I*
6 The Pennsylvania-German Society.
Report of the Secretary,
Prof. George T. Ettinger, Ph.D.
Mr. President and Fellow-members of the Pennsylvania-
German Society: The Secretary is very happy to be able to
report to you in annual meeting assembled that, during
the year now drawing to a close, the Society has main-
tained its usual measure of prosperity and has continued
to further the noble work for which it was established by
the loving sons of loyal fathers.
In all phases of its activities, in its aims and its efforts,
its ideals and its endeavors, our Society has remained true
to the spirit in which it was founded, and true to the spirit
in which it has prospered. As heretofore, the Executive
Committee has continued to direct and protect the interests
of the Society in the interim between one annual meeting^
and the next. In order to do this, the Executive Commit-
tee convened six times during the past year, in January,
May, June, July, September and October. One of the
most important items of business considered at these meet-
ings was the revised constitution proposed by B. F. Fack-
enthal, Jr., ScD., at the last annual meeting and referred
to the Executive Committee for revision, if necessary, be-
fore its presentation for final action at this meeting. The
Executive Committee devoted a great deal of time and
serious thought to the revision of the proposed constitu-
tion. As the proposer of the new document. Dr. Facken-
thal, was absent on an extended tour through Europe and
the East, and thus was unable to meet with the Committee,
it was deemed proper, out of deference to Dr. Fackenthal,
and to enable him to go over the entire matter with the
Executive Committee, to ask the Society at this meeting to
extend the time for presenting the final revision of the
Report of the Secretary. 7
Constitution for one year, until the annual meeting in
19 1 5. The Executive Committee unanimously recom-
mends that the Society accordingly postpones final action
until next year.
During the year another volume has been added to the
long and valuable list of annual publications that contain
the proceedings and the papers of the Society. It is
hardly necessary to state that, in value of content, in rich-
ness of illustration and in beauty of mechanical make-up,
the book is a fitting companion to its many forerunners in
the same series.
In view of the fact that a number of members are in
arrears, it may not be out of place for the Secretary to re-
mind the members of the following action taken by the
Executive Committee at its meeting September 3, 19 14:
*' The Treasurer is instructed to notify members in arrears
that their volum-es are being held for them and that, if
they do not at once pay their dues so as to be able to secure
the volumes, these same volumes may be sold and the said
delinquent members shall thus forfeit any claim to them."
It was furthermore resolved that any member, owing dues
for three years to October, 1914, and not responding to
this notice, shall be dropped from the roll of membership.
Last year 451 names were reported on the rolls of the
Society; since that report sixteen new members were
elected, three resigned, two were dropped and, as far as
has come to the knowledge of the Secretary, five have died.
This leaves 457 names on the roll of active membership.
The unusual prominence of the members that have
passed away is worthy of note:
Edward Welles, a leading citizen of Wilkes-Barre, Pa.
Hon. James A. Beaver, ex-Governor of Pennsylvania,
8 The Pennsylvania-German Society.
Judge of the Superior Court of this State, and a
former President of this Society.
Hon. George F. Baer, President of the Philadelphia and
Reading Railroad, and a former President of this
Society.
Hon. Christopher Heydrick, formerly a member of our
National House of Representatives, and at the time
of his death one of the Vice-Presidents of the Penn-
sylvania-German Society.
Col. Thomas C. Zimmerman, of Reading, Pa., the veteran
editor and cultured litterateur, also a former Presi-
dent of the Pennsylvania-German Society.
In view of the serious, nay the almost Irreparable loss
sustained by the Society In the death of these able and dis-
tinguished members, it may not be amiss to urge you, my
colleagues of the Pennsylvania-German Society, to consti-
tute yourselves a general committee on membership and
increase the number of active names on our rolls. Thus
you will strengthen the Society, increase its influence, and
extend the sphere of Its usefulness. Can not each one of
us secure at least one new member during the coming year?
I am quite sure that all of you will join the Secretary in
wishing the Pennsylvania-German Society another year of
unbounded prosperity and permanent progress, in which
our organization may accomplish still greater things and
thus achieve still greater triumphs.
In accordance with the recommendation of the Execu-
tive Committee as contained in the report of the Secretary
the Society resolved to postpone action on the new consti-
tution until such time as may suit the Executive Com-,
mittee.
■iKfliMS.^IIm^'^Milt&MitmiS^it^- ■
Treasurer's Annual Report. 9
Treasurer's Annual Report.
Dr. J. E. Burnett Buckenham then presented the fol-
lowing:
Repo^'^ of the Treasurer of the Pennsylvania-
G-..vMAN Society from October 31, 1913, to
November 12, 19 14.
Dr.
To balance received from Dr. Julius F. Sachse, former
Treasurer $1,981.99
To annual dues received $1,089.00
To interest on bonds ...... ..T7.T..1.. . 40.00
To publications sold 235.00 1,364.00
$3,345.99
Cr.
Stenographer, annual meeting 2.00
Clerical services 33'88
Rent safe deposit box, Penn. Nat. Bank 5.00
Dues, Pa. Fed. Hist. Societies 2.00
Printing Volume XXII of Proceedings 810.29
Photogravure plates, Gilbo & Co 28.75
Photographs, W. H. Rau 4.00
Electroplates, Electrotint Eng. Co. 30.33
Translating and transcribing manuscript 35'9i
Expressage, postage and sundries, New Era Co 49.66
Books, postage id sundries, J. F. Sachse 17.06
Printing, stationery and sundries 74'30
Postage and sundries 57-13
Printing half tones for Vol. XXII 98.75
Cash on hand 9.84
$1,258.90
Balance in bank November 12, 1914 2,087.09
$3,345.99
10 The Pennsylvania-German Society.
Assets.
Two $500 bonds E. & P. Co $1,000.00
Balance in Life Fund included in active account $ 130.00
J. E. Burnett Buckenham,
Treasurer.
Auditors' Report,
In connection with the Treasurer's Report was also pre-
sented the following report of the Auditors:
To the Pennsylvania-German Society:
The Auditing Committee appointed by the President of
the Society to audit the account of Dr. J. E. B. Buckenham,
Treasurer, covering the period from October 31, 19 13, to
November 12, 19 14, Inclusive, report that they have ex-
amined the said report and the accounts of the Treasurer
for said period, and find them correct both as to Items of
charge and discharge, principal and Income, contained
therein.
Ulysses S. Koons,
Alfred Percival Smith,
Geo. Lewis Plitt,
Auditing Committee.
Both the report of the Treasurer and the report of the
Auditors were received and approved by formal motion.
Death of Col. Thomas C. Zimmerman.
At this time the attention of the members was called to
the death of Col. Thomas C. Zimmerman, whose funeral
was taking place In the neighboring city of Reading at the
very time of the annual meeting. Sincere words of eulogy
were spoken by H. WInslow Fegley, of Reading; Benja-
min M. Nead, Esq., of Harrlsburg; and Rev. Theodore
Death of Col. Thomas C. Zimmerman. ii
E. Schmauk, D.D., of Lebanon. In accordance with a
formal resolution the Executive Committee later appointed
Messrs. Nead and Fegley who reported the subjoined
minute which was adopted by the Executive Committee
and is inserted here for permanent record.
Colonel Thoivias Cadwallader Zlmmerman.
The undersigned committee appointed by the Executive
Committee of the Pennsylvania-German Society to prepare
and report a minute upon the death of Colonel Zimmer-
man beg leave to report as follows:
Thomas Cadwallader Zimmerman was born in Lebanon,
Pennsylvania, January 23, 1838. Here he spent his boy-
hood days and received his education in the public schools.
As a Newspaper Man.
At the age of thirteen Mr. Zimmerman entered the office
of the Lebanon Courier as a printer's apprentice. After
serving his time there he went to the Philadelphia Inquirer,
where he remained until 1856, when he entered the office of
the Berks and Schuylkill Journal at Reading as a journey-
man printer. Three years later, in 1859, he engaged as a
printer on the state laws in the establishment of Dr. Robert
Gibbs, at Columbia, South Carolina. The following year
he returned to Reading, and became connected with the
Berks and Schuylkill Journal. When the proprietor of
that Journal, Mr. Knabb, shortly after was elected post-
master of Reading, Mr. Zimmerman became his clerk,
which position he held until Mr. Knabb's retirement in
1865. Mr. Zimmerman then became associated as co-
proprietor with Mr. Knabb in the publication of the Berks
and Schuylkill Journal, which afterwards, in '69, absorbed
12 The Pennsylvania-German Society.
the Reading Times, and two years later consolidated with
the Evening Dispatch, under the name of the Times and
Dispatch. The Reading Times Publishing Company was
organized in 1897, when Mr. Zimmerman was named as
president and editor. From his newspaper work Col.
Zimmerman retired in October, 1908.
What the newspaper fraternity thought of Col. Zim-
merman as editor and proprietor of a newspaper can not
be better voiced than in the language used by the Memorial
Committee appointed by the Newspaper Fraternity of
Reading at the time of Col. Zimmerman's death :
" In the death of Thomas C. Zimmerman the newspaper fra-
ternity of Reading has lost a valued friend, who for many years
was one of its most talented members. Enterprising and aggressive
in the journalistic field, and an able and versatile writer, he made
his impress upon the community in which he led an honored life
for more than half a century. His literary genius was of a high
order. A poet of natural instinct, he left many choice expressions
of the sentiments of his kindly feelings. His translations of Ger-
man masterpieces were so well rendered as to have given him last-
ing fame, while his skill in the rendition of English poems into the
Pennsylvania German vernacular was equally meritorious. He
was an earnest and indefatigable worker in behalf of perpetuating
the history and traditions of the Pennsylvania Germans, and gave
valuable aid in the organization of the Pennsylvania German So-
ciety of which he was one of the most distinguished presidents. As
an enthusiastic nature lover he was a frequent visitor to points of
interest in the vicinity of his adopted home, and called attention to
their remarkable picturesqueness in imperishable words. Chosen
to serve in boards of great public importance, he attended to all the
duties incumbent upon him with ability and fidelity. A man
among men he was best known by his warm friendship and gen-
erous, affectionate disposition. His departure is sincerely mourned
by a large circle of friends and acquaintances. * After life's fitful
Death of Col. Thomas C. Zimmerman. 13
fever, he sleeps well,' and of his passing so gently from this earth
it can be said, in his favorite lines :
"So fades a summer cloud away;
So sinks the gale when storms are o'er;
So gently shuts the eye of day;
So dies a wave along the shore."
As a Historian and Literary Man.
Very early in life Mr. Zimmerman began his reading,
both of prose and poetry. He had a great talent for
translating, and he made his translations one of the promi-
nent features of his newspaper. Many translations from
the German classics Into English appeared from time to
time.
One of his most noted translations was the Prussian
National Battle Hymn, which appeared In the Berlin
(Germany) Times, with a half-tone portrait of the author
of the translation. Very good work was also done by Mr.
Zimmerman by his translations of English classics into
Pennsylvania German. Among the first of these was
Clement C. Moore's *' 'Twas the Night Before Christmas."
His most noteworthy translation was that of Luther's
Battle Hymn, which attracted the attention of eminent
divines, professors, publicists, poets, historians and others
throughout the land.
He was also the author of the official hymn used by the
Berks County Historical Society at the Sesqul-Centennlal
Celebration, and also of the memorial hymn sung at the
unveiling of the McKinley monument In the City Park at
Reading. The published collection of Col. Zimmerman's
translations he called " 011a Podrlda," and It has an ex-
ceedingly wide circulation.
14 The Pennsylvania-German Society.
Public Activities.
Mr. Zimmerman was for many years trustee of the board
of the State Asylum at Wernersville. He was a director
of the Reading Free Public Library; he was a member of
the National Conference of Chanties and Corrections;
president of the Pennsylvania Association of Superintend-
ents and Trustees of Insane Asylums; one of the founders
and president of the Pennsylvania-German Society ( 1908) ;
one of the founders and member of the Historical Society
of Berks County; Vice-President of the Pennsylvania Chau-
tauqua Association,
As a magazine writer he was Interesting and prolific;
one of his latest productions being "Glimpse of Camp
Life; a Day and Night with Campers on the Susque-
hanna," published In the Mountain and Stream Journal.
As a public speaker Mr. Zimmerman was well known
and much sought after, on any and all occasions, but par-
ticularly at historical events.
He was selected to write the memorial ode for the dedi-
cation of the McKInley monument at Reading in 1905.
This ode was sung by a large chorus.
In recognition of his literary successes, the degree of
Doctor of the Humanities was conferred upon him by
Muhlenberg College In 1904.
His Military Record.
Col. Zimmerman had a brief career as a soldier during
the War of the Rebellion. He was a member of Com-
pany C, 42d Penna. Volunteers.
His Domestic Life.
Col. Zimmerman was happy In the choice of his voca-
tion, which he enjoyed to the fullest, and his home life was
President's Annual Address. iS
ideal. He was married to Tamsie T. Kauffman, of Read-
ing, on the nth of June, 1867. She died a few years ago,
leaving the Colonel in loneliness, but his cure for this was
his love of nature. He enjoyed mountain and stream and
beautiful country side, and it was his habit for nearly forty
years to take long walks daily into the country.
Col. Zimmerman took ill on Wednesday, October 28,
19 14. He was taken to the hospital from his residence at
150 N. Fifth Street, Reading, where his condition became
critical. He died Monday, November 9, 19 14.
His zeal in forwarding the Interests and his love for the
work of the Pennsylvania-German Society were notable.
We shall miss his cheerful personality, his valuable advice,
and his diligent service. So it is fitting that this Memorial
Tribute should be entered upon our minutes.
Respectfully submitted,
Benjamin Matthias Nead,
H. WiNSLOw Fegley,
Committee.
President's Annual Address.
The President of the Society, Julius F. Sachse, Litt.D.,
then delivered the following address:
♦JTT is just twenty-four years ago. It was in November,
■■ 1890, when the late Dr. W. H. Egle, the State Li-
brarian at Harrisburg, consulted with me, at a meeting of
the Pennsylvania Historical Society at Philadelphia, upon
the advisability of forming a patriotic hereditary society
from the descendants of the early German and Swiss emi-
grants to Pennsylvania upon the same lines as the lately
formed Society of the Sons of the Revolution, from which
so many Pennsylvania-Germans were debarred, as it was
i6 The Pennsylvania-German Society.
their ancestors who had helped to feed and clothe the pa-
triot army, but had not given any military service.
The outcome of these suggestions was that an article
appeared in the Philadelphia Inquirer advocating the for-
mation of a hereditary Patriotic Society by the descendants
of the Early German and Swiss Settlers of Pennsylvania.
This proposition was at once taken up by various news-
papers in eastern Pennsylvania, notably by the Lebanon
Daily Report and the New Era of Lancaster.
This resulted in a correspondence upon the subject be-
tween Dr. W. H. Egle and one of the editors of the Nezv
Era, at Lancaster. The result was that Dr. Egle came
to Lancaster on February 14, 1891, and in the editorial
rooms of the New Era, met Rev. John S. Stahr, Rev. Max
Hark, Professor Buehrle, E. O. Lyte and F. R. Diffen-
derffer, who had been invited to meet him.
After a full and free discussion of the whole question,
it was decided to invite a number of representative men in
the German counties of eastern Pennsylvania to an in-
formal conference in the city of Lancaster, on the 26th
day of February, 1891.
This meeting was held in the study of Rev. J. Max
Hark at the Moravian parsonage. Nine counties were
represented by sixteen representative men, who were the
actual founders of this Society.
Carbon County — E. H. Rauch.
Chester County — Julius F. Sachse.
Dauphin County — 'W. H. Egle, E. W. S. Parthemore,
Maurice C. Eby.
Lancaster County — ^J. Max Hark, H. A. Brickenstein,
Frank R. Diffenderffer.
Lebanon County — ^Theodore E. Schmauk, Lee L. Grum-
bine.
President's Annual Address. 17
Lehigh County — Edwin Albright, A. R. Home.
Luzerne County — F. K. Levan.
Northampton County — ^Jeremiah S. Hess, Paul de
Schweinltz.
York County — Hiram Young.
Of these early pioneers, there are now but four surviv-
ing members of the Society — viz., Schmauk, Diffenderffer,
Hess and Sachse. At this meeting there was considerable
discussion as to the name and objects of the proposed So-
ciety, when it was resolved that a general call be issued
for a convention, using the name Pennsylvania-German
Society, to be held in the city of Lancaster on the 15th day
of April, 1 89 1.
When the convention held in the court house at Lancas-
ter was called to order it was found that 16 counties were
represented by 31 delegates, viz.,
Dauphin County — ^W. H. Egle, E. W. S. Parthemore,
Maurice C. Eby.
Lancaster County — R. K. Buehrle, H. A. Brickenstein,
F. R. Diffenderffer, John S. Stahr, J. Max Hark, E. O.
Lyte.
Berks County — T. C. Zimmerman, George F. Baer, H.
A. Muhlenberg.
Lehigh County — A. R. Home, Edwin Albright.
Northampton County — Paul de Schweinitz, Jeremiah
S. Hess.
York County — Hiram Young.
Lebanon County — L. L. Grumbine, S. P. Heilman,
Theodore E. Schmauk, Grant Weldman.
Chester County — Julius F. Sachse.
Erie County — Benjamin Whitman.
Cumberland County — C. P. Humrich.
Franklin County — Benjamin M. Nead.
i8 The Pennsylvania-German Society.
Adams County — Daniel Eberly.
Carbon County — E. H. Rauch.
Luzerne County — F. K. Levan.
Centre County — James A. Beaver.
Washington County — Boyd Crumrine.
Philadelphia County — S. W. Pennypacker.
At this meeting the status of the Society and its mem-
bership was finally determined, and the constitution
adopted.
This document sets forth (and I especially wish to im-
press upon all present, who are not members of our So-
ciety) that this organization is strictly a Native American
organization with no entanglements with any foreign
power.
We are not less Americans because our ancestors came
from the German Fatherland over 115 years ago, to these
western wilds, settled here ; cleared the forests, and turned
the wilderness into fertile fields, suffered under the incur-
sions of the savages, who were incited to fury by the
French and English, and later fought for the independ-
ence of their adopted country, and were important factors
in establishing the American government under the present
constitution.
It must not be forgotten that it was Frederick Augustus
Muhlenberg, a Pennsylvania-German, who was the first
speaker of the United States House of Representatives,
and that of the two Pennsylvanians in the Hall of Fame,
in the Capitol at Washington, one. Major General Peter
Muhlenberg, is of Pennsylvania origin; some of whose de-
scendants are members at present.
Many of the early German settlers were of religious
faiths which opposed the bearing of arms, but it did not
forbid them from nursing the sick and wounded soldiers
Presidents Annual Address. 19
back to health, or if they died giving them a Christian
burial, as shown by the records of Bethlehem and Ephrata
in Pennsylvania. Then again it was these very German
settlers and their children, who clothed and fed the Ameri-
can army, during the critical period, while they were in
winter quarters upon the bleak hillsides at Valley Forge,
in the Memorable Winter of 1777-1778.
The German counties of eastern Pennsylvania were the
granaries of the American Army, whenever the tide of the
conflict surged to this vicinity.
Bancroft has well said of the Germans in Pennsylvania ;
"Neither they nor their descendants have laid claim to all
that is their due." They have permitted their more ag-
gressive neighbors to deny them a proper place even on the
historic page.
It is the aim and privilege of the Pennsylvania-German
Society to controvert the slanders so ruthlessly made
against the race, and place it in its proper light before the
community at large.
But to return to our history, the first annual meeting
was held at Harrisburg, October 14, 1891 — nine papers
were read upon different subjects by prominent speakers;
during the following year 1892, a mid-summer meeting
was held at Mt. Gretna, July 18, 1892, at which a paper
was read upon " The True Heroes of Provincial Penn-
sylvania." It is to be regretted that these summer meet-
ings were not kept up.
The second annual meeting was held at Lebanon, Octo-
ber 12, 1892. Four historical papers were read at this
meeting, followed by eight addresses at the banquet In the
evening. Monday, July 17, 1893, was celebrated as
Pennsylvania-German Day at the Pennsylvania Chatauqua
at Mt. Gretna. The volume of Proceedings for this
20 The Pennsylvania-German Society.
year contains a list of members with short biographical
notes wherever obtainable; 164 in number. This volume
also contains the first installment of church records, viz.,
Trinity Lutheran Church of Lancaster.
The third annual meeting was held at York, October
II, 1893. Five historical papers were read, one by the
venerable Rev. Dr. J. G. Morris, president of the Mary-
land Historical Society and who was the son of a Revo-
lutionary officer, an " actual son of the Revolution." In
the evening five addresses were made at the banquet. In
1894 Pennsylvania-German Day was again observed at
Mt. Gretna, July 19, 1894 — 95 additional biographical
sketches of members were also published in this volume.
The fourth annual meeting was held at Reading, Octo-
ber 3, 1894. There were two papers read at this meeting,
the chief addresses, nine in number, were delivered at the
banquet in the evening.
The fifth annual meeting was held in the historic city
of Bethlehem, October 6, 1895. It was at this meeting
that the insignia of the Society was adopted. At the
meeting there was but a single paper and poem read, the
principal addresses being at the banquet held at the old
Historic Sun Inn.
Up to this period the papers presented at the annual
meetings of the Pennsylvania-German Society were of a
disconnected and more or less desultory character; at the
sixth annual meeting of the Society at Philadelphia, Octo-
ber 25, 1896, the true work of the Pennsylvania-German
Society materialized; this was the beginning of a narrative
and critical history of the German Influence in the settle-
ment and development of the great commonwealth of
Pennsylvania upon the same lines as Justin Winsor's crit-
ical History of North America.
t
\
}
I
/Presidents Annual Address. 21
It was our fellow member, the late Dr. Stille, former
prevost of the University of Pennsylvania, historian and
scholar, who said: "Of all the races which settled on the
soil of Pennsylvania, the German form a very important
part of the bed-rock of the civilization of the state."
What can a man know of that civilization who is igno-
rant '^f the special history of the Pennsylvania-Germans?
Mu^h that is falsely called history has been written without
SJiCh knowledge.
It is this lacking knowledge which the Pennsylvania-
German Society seeks to supply, by this series of mono-
graphs, each one by an acknowledged authority upon his
subject, and forming a complete volume by itself; no other
of the patriotic hereditary societies can show a historical
series equal to these 25 publications issued under the
auspices of the executive committee of the Pennsylvania-
German Society.
This series of our Proceedings is to be found in a
number of the great libraries of our colleges and cities,
and are quoted as the authority upon Pennsylvania-Ger-
man history.
A number of sections of this great work remain to be
written, for which we are looking to some of the younger
members of this Society.
Abstracts from two sections of this great work were
read at the annual meeting, October 25, 1896.
1. The "Fatherland" showing the part it bore in the
discovery, exploration and development of the western
continent, with special reference to this Commonwealth.
This section consists of 224 pages, 19 plates, with two
maps and numerous Illustrations in the text.
2. The German exodus to England in 1709, by Frank
2*
i
r ■•
22 The Pennsylvania-German Society. '
Reid Diffenderffer — 157 pages, 16 plates and many illus-
trations in text.
These two monographs are published in Volume VII
of our Proceedings, fully illustrated with portraits, maps,
views and facsimiles.
From that time on there have been published one or two
contributions of this great work by some of the moit pro-
found Pennsylvania German Historical Students in P'^nn-
sylvania, 23 chapters in addition to the two named havi,
been published — each one a complete volume by itself; a
number of these books are already out of print. We will
give here a short resume of the titles: Any one who wants
a complete itemized list of our publications is referred to
the descriptive list, lately issued by our Treasurer, Dr. J.
E. B. Buckenham, which can be had for the asking.
Part 3: German Emigration to America, 1 709-1 740,
by Rev. H. E. Jacobs, D.D.
Part 4: Settlement of Germantown, by Hon. Samuel
W. Pennypacker.
Part 5 : German Emigration from New York, by Rev.
Matthias H. Richards, D.D.
Part 6 : Domestic Life of the Pennsylvania-German
Pioneer, by Rev. F. J. F. Schantz, D.D.
Part 7: German Emigration into Pennsylvania, 1700-
1775, Part 2, Redemptioners, by Frank Reid
Diffenderffer.
Part 8 : German Baptist Brethren or Dunkers, by
George N. Falkenstein.
Part 9: Lutheran Church in Pennsylvania, 1638-1800,
by Theodore E. Schmauk, D.D.
Part 10: Reformed Church in Pennsylvania, by Joseph
H. Dubbs, D.D.
President's Annual Address. 23
Part 1 1 : The Music of the Ephrata Cloister, by Julius
F. Sachse, Litt.D.
Part 12: Schwenkf elders in Pennsylvania, by H. W.
Kriebel.
Part 13: American History from German Archives, by
J. G. Rosengarten.
Part 14: Daniel Falckner's Curieuse Nachricht, by Julius
F. Sachse, Litt.D.
Part 15 : Pennsylvania-German in the French and Indian
War, by H. M. M. Richards.
Part 16: Wreck of the Ship New Era, by Julius F.
Sachse, Litt.D.
Part 17: Gov. Joseph Hiester, A Historical Sketch, by
H. M. M. Richards.
Part 18: Pennsylvania-German in the Revolutionary
War, by H. M. M. Richards.
Part 19: Diary of a Voyage from Rotterdam to Phila-
delphia in 1728, by Julius F. Sachse, Litt.D.
Part 20 : A Brief History of the Colony of New Sweden,
by Carolus David Arfwedson, 1825.
Part 2 1 : An Account of the Manners of the German In-
habitants of Pennsylvania by Rush, with an-
notations by Theodore E. Schmauk, D.D.
Part 22 : Early German American Newspapers, by Daniel
Miller.
Part 23 : The Lutheran Church in New Hanover, by
Rev. J. J. Kline.
Part 24: The Wayside Inns on the Lancaster Roadside,
by J. F. Sachse.
Part 25 : The Pennsylvania-German In the Settlement of
Maryland, by D. W. Nead.
In addition to these monographs there have been printed
24 The Pennsylvania-German Society.
a number of early baptismal, marriage and burial records,
which are of great value to the genealogist, as well as a
number of other contributions not in the line of our critical
history.
Referring again to our annual meetings, they have been
held in thirteen different cities In the state — viz. : Lancas-
ter three, Harrisburg three, Philadelphia three, Allen-
town two, Lebanon two, Reading two, Bethlehem two,
York two and one each at Ephrata, Easton, Norristown,
Germantown and RIegelsville.
Among the following list of Presidents of the Pennsyl-
vania-German Society will be found two governors, two
generals, three judges, one naval officer, one brigade sur-
geon, one U. S. postmaster general, one superintendent of
public Instruction, five college presidents, seven prominent
clergymen of different denominations, one great railroad
president and several lawyers and journalists, viz.:
1 89 1— William Henry Egle.
1892 — Henry L. Fisher.
1893 — George F. Baer.
1894 — Rev. George C. Heckman.
1895 — Hon. Samuel W. Pennypacker.
1896 — Frank R. DIffenderffer.
1897 — Rev. Theodore E. Schmauk.
1898 — Rev. Nathan C. Schaeffer.
1899 — E. W. S. Parthemore.
1900 — Rev. F. J. F. Schantz.
1901 — Rev. Thomas Conrad Porter (died In office).
1 90 1 — Prof. Charles H. HImes.
1902 — Rev. Joseph Henry Dubbs.
1903 — Rev. Joseph A. Selss.
1904 — Rev. John S. Stahr.
President's Annual Address. 25
1905 — Hon. James A. Beaver.
1906 — Hon. Gustav A. Endlich.
1907 — Benjamin M. Nead.
1908 — Hon. John Wanamaker.
1909 — Col. Thomas C. Zimmerman.
19 10 — John E. Roller.
191 1 — Rev. H. E. Jacobs.
19 1 2 — Lieut. H. M. M. Richards.
19 13 — Benjamin F. Fackenthal.
19 14 — ^Julius F. Sachse.
Surely a list of which any organization may well be
proud. — —- — ■ ■-
Of the twenty-five members, honored with the presi-
dential office, fifteen are still alive; ten have since died;
one, Rev. Thomas Conrad Porter, D.D., died while in
office.
The membership of our Society, from a mere handful
at the time of organization, has grown to upwards of 500
members. It is not confined to the eastern counties of our
state alone, as is occasionally charged. From Massachu-
setts to Oregon in the west; from Canada in the north,
even down to Peru in South Arnerica.
In our territories even in the Philippines there are prom-
inent men, who are proud to wear the rosette and insignia
of the Pennsylvania-German Society.
The term of office of the President for the year 19 13-
14 expires to-day, who is the only member of the organiza-
tion who has served continuously as an officer of this So-
ciety from its organization: twenty-three years as Treas-
urer and one year as President.
It is with great pleasure that I turn over the office and
gavel to one of Lancaster's most honored citizens. In his
26 The Pennsylvania-German Society.
term will come the Silver Jubilee of the Society, and the
retiring officer feels sure that the Society under his leader-
ship will flourish under his administration.
Thanking the members of the Pennsylvania-German
Society for the honors they have bestowed upon me, and
the executive committee for the support given me during
the past twenty-four years, I can but express the hope and
wish that the next quarter of a century may prove even
more prosperous than the past, and that those of our suc-
cessors who are present at the Golden Jubilee may have
pleasant memories of the pioneer " hewers of wood and
drawers of water" who conceived the plan and laid the
foundations for the Pennsylvania-German Patriotic Hered-
itary Society.
Report of Committee on Bibliogr^^phy.
The Committee on Bibliography, through its Chairman,
Dr. S. P. Heilman, reported as follows:
To The Pennsylvania-German Society :
Your Committee on an Index of Pennsylvania-German
Dialect Literature, authorized in the year 1908 to be ap-
pointed and actualy appointed in the year 19 10, begs to
report at this time, supplemental to former reports annually
made since its first appointment, that very little progress
has been made on this large and valuable project since our
first and extended report made to the Society at its annual
meeting held in the city of Harrisburg, October 20, 1911,
at which time manuscript matter pertaining to said Index
to the extent of about 400 pages was submitted along with
the report made by our Committee at that time.
This want of progress was, or Is, due to two reasons,
namely, to a subsequent enlargement of the scope of the
Report of Committee on Bibliography. 27
Index along lines suggested by the gentleman authorized
by your Society to review the matter then in manuscript
form, the Rev. T. E. Schmauk, D.D., LL.D., which sug-
gested enlargement required further research and along
new lines, and for the further reason that the Committee's
editor, Prof. H. H. Reichard, Ph.D., in the meantime, and
for a period of about three years, had taken up his resi-
dence, and was exclusively engaged in educational work,
in the State of Illinois, far removed from his former
sources of reference and information as to matter he
needed, not only as to the enlarged lines he was to work
out but as well also towards fully completing the Index as
originally planned and in manuscript, partially completed,
as submitted to your Society at Harrisburg in 191 1.
We can now, however, report that Prof. Reichard has
returned to the east, and again is in touch with, and near
to, his former supply sources of reference and information
material, that he is again actively at work on the Index
project, that he is pushing the work with all possible ex-
pedition, and is giving assurance that within a compara-
tively short time, probably soon after this annual meeting
of the Society, the manuscript of the Index as originally
planned but now enlarged and improved, will be fully com-
pleted, and be ready to be submitted to your Executive
Committee, in view of all of which we respectfully ask for
a continuance of our Committee.
We also and again reiterate our abiding confidence in
the inestimable value that is to accrue to your Society in
the acquisition and possession of an Index of Pennsylvania-
German Dialect Literature as comprehensive, complete
and accurate as the finished manuscript shortly to be sub-
mitted we know positively will be and our belief that the
delays incident to the compiling and additional research
28 The Pennsylvania-German Society.
work required as to this Index project will be fully com-
pensated in the satisfaction that will be afforded the mem-
bers of your Society when they come to study and peruse
the Index after its completion and publication.
Respectfully submitted,
S. P. Heilman,
Chairman.
Lebanon, Pa.,
November 13, 1914.
Election of Officers.
The following nominations, as suggested by the Execu-
tive Committee, were presented by Dr. Schmauk: Presi-
dent, Hon. William U. Hensel, LL.D., Litt.D., of Lan-
caster, Pa.; Vice-Presidents, William F. Muhlenberg,
M.D., LL.D., of Reading, Pa., Hon. Harman Yerkes, of
Doylestown, Pa.; Treasurer, J. E. Burnett Buckenham,
M.D., of Chestnut Hill, Pa; Executive Committee, Rev.
L. Kryder Evans, D.D., of Pottstown, Pa., Charles R.
Roberts, Esq., of AUentown, Pa., Julius F. Sachse, Litt.D.,
of Philadelphia, Pa.
On motion duly made and seconded, the nominations
were closed and the Secretary was instructed to cast the
ballot of the Society for the above-mentioned nominees.
The Secretary having cast the formal ballot of the
Society for the said nominees, the President declared them
the duly elected officers for the ensuing year.
The meeting was then adjourned till half-past two
o'clock in the afternoon to partake of the luncheon ten-
dered by the newly-elected President of the Society, Hon.-
William U. Hensel, at the Hamilton Club of Lancaster.
N
THE PENNSYLVANIA-GERMAN SOCIETY.
WILLIAM UHLER HENSEL.
B. DEC. 4, 1851 ; D. FEB. 27, 1915.
TWENTY-SIXTH PRESIDENT OF THE PENNSYLVANIA-GERMAN SOCIETY.
Election of Officers. 29
Luncheon.
The rathskeller of the Hamilton Club was crowded
with a happy company of Pennsylvania-Germans and their
friends, gathered to enjoy the hospitality of Hon. William
U. Hensel, the newly-elected President of the Pennsylvania-
German Society. The rustic decorations, consisting of
corn-stalks, pumpkins and other products of Lancaster
County rural life, contributed not a little to the enjoyment
of the following typical Pennsylvania-German menu.
Menu.
'-— - Scrapple
Liver and Onions
Sauer Kraut
Schnitz and Knepf
Tripe and Oysters Souse
Red Beets
Dutch Cheese
Smear Case and Apple Butter
Cider Coffee
All the ladies and gentlemen fortunate enough to attend
were unanimous in declaring the luncheon one of the most
enjoyable and successful social entertainments ever ten-
dered the members of the Society. The only thing that
marred the perfect enjoyment of the occasion was the
absence of the host Dr. Hensel, the state of whose health
had necessitated a prolonged sojourn in the South. All
present united in the sincere hope and prayer that he might
speedily be restored to his usual full measure of health
and strength.
\
30 The Pennsylvania-German Society.
Afternoon Session.
After the delightful luncheon at the Hamilton Club the
Society reconvened in the lecture room of the First Re-
formed Church and listened to a paper on "The Condi-
tion of Pennsylvania During Braddock's Expedition,"
presented by Dr. Julius F. Sachse.
The reading of this paper was followed by a series of
stereopticon views of old Germantown, presented and ex-
plained by Dr. Sachse.
One of the most interesting and Instructive features of
the afternoon's programme was the exhibition of " Stiegel
-Glass " with a delightful descriptive talk by Mrs. Albert
K. Hostetter, of Lancaster, Pa., the wife of the first Vice-
President of the Society. Mrs. Hostetter has gathered
one of the finest collections of "Stiegel Glass" in the
United States, of which collection she showed many rare
and beautiful specimens. The explanatory lecture proved
Mrs. Hostetter to be an enthusiastic collector and a
thorough student of the subject. After this unique intel-
lectual treat the meeting was adjourned to prepare for the
festivities of the evening.
Reception and Banquet.
A goodly company of ladies and gentlemen gathered In
the spacious quarters of the Hamilton Club and spent a
delightful hour In social Intercourse preliminary to the
annual banquet, which was set for seven o'clock In the
banquet-hall of the Hamilton Club.
Afte_rgrace_Md been said by. R^^^^^^
LL.D., the following menu was enjoyed by the assembled
guests :
Afternoon Session. 31
Noodle Soup
Roast Lancaster Turkey and Cranberries
Mashed Potatoes
Dried Corn Beets
Cole Slaw
Fried Oysters and Celery Salad
Mince Pie Pumpkin Pie
Dutch Head Cheese
Ice Cream
Cakes Coffee
Benjamin M'. Nead, Esq., of Harrisburg, Pa., served
as toastmaster and Mayor Frank B. McClain, of Lancas-
ter, entertained the company with several songs rendered
in fine style, after which wise and witty words were spoken
by Mayor McClain, Dr. Henry H. Appel, Dr. H. M. M.
Richards, Ulysses S. Koons, Esq., and Henry S. Borne-
man, Esq. The banquet concluded with a silent toast to
the memory of Col. Thomas C. Zimmerman.
Thus ended the twenty-fourth annual meeting of the
Pennsylvania-German Society. As the large company of
guests slowly dispersed, they were unanimous In the enthu-
siastic expressions of their appreciation of the hospitality
of President Hensel, the Hamilton Club and the citizens
of Lancaster in general. The interesting and instructive
programme also called forth many comments of praise.
Intellectually as well as socially, therefore, the Lancaster
meeting of 19 14 must be regarded as one of the very best
of the many good meetings of the Pennsylvania-German
Society. ■
Biograpbical Sketches of ©eceaseb
flDembers of the pcnnQ^lvnnm^
(5erman Societie
Hon. George F. Baer, LL.D. _
Hon. James A. Beaver, LL.D.
Hon. Maurice C. Eby.
William Laubach, Esq.
Prof. Lewis S. Shimmell, Ph.D.
Hon. George Franklin Huff. ;
George Rueger Oberholtzer.
Thomas William Saeger.
Christian Edgar Titzel.
William Weis.
Col. Thomas C. Zimmerman, L.H.D.
[See minute in the Proceedings prepared by Special
Committee.]
BS
THE PENNSYLVANIA-GERMAN SOCIETY.
GEORGE F. BAER, LL.D.
B. SEPT. 26, 1842; D. APRIL 26, 1914.
PRESIDENT PENNSYLVANIA-GERMAN SOCIETY 1893.
Biographical Sketches of Deceased Members. 35
Hon. George F. Baer, LL.D.
Hon. George F. Baer belonged to the fourth generation
of his family in the United States. His direct ancestor,
Christopher Baer( Bar), came from Zweibruecken, Ger-
many, with two brothers, Milchoir and Johannes, in the
ship Phoenix, from Rotterdam, in 1743, arriving in Phila-
delphia, September 30 of that year. He settled in North-
ampton County with his wife, Katherine Wingert, and
there purchased a large quantity of land, giving a farm to
each of his six married children. Jacob, the youngest son,
was born in what is now Whitehall Township, Lehigh
County, Pennsylvania, in 1761, married, and in 1800 moved
to a farm in Maryland, near Mount Savage Station, Alle-
gheny County, where he resided until his death. Major
Solomon Baer, his son by a second wife, Mary Elizabeth
Hersch, was born in Lehigh County (then Northampton) ,
in 1794, and died in Somerset County, Pennsylvania,
January 12, 1882. He married Anna Maria, daughter
of George Baker, who was born February 2, 1797, and
died October 5, 1888. He served as constable for sev-
eral years and also justice of the peace, and held every rank
in the militia from captain to brigade inspector.
George Frederick Baer, the eighth child of Solomon
and Anna Maria (Baker) Baer, was born in Somerset
County, Pennsylvania, September 26, 1842. He attended
Somerset Institute until the age of thirteen, when he entered
the office of the Somerset Democrat, working as a type-
setter for two years. Then he studied another year at
36 The Pennsylvania-German Society.
Somerset Institute, served as chief clerk and bookkeeper
at the Ashtola Mills, about ten miles from Johnstown, for
another year, and in the fall of i860, entered the Sopho-
more class of Franklin and Marshall College, at Lan-
caster. His course at college was interrupted by the Civil
War. With his brother Harry he purchased the news-
paper on which he had served his boyhood apprenticeship.
The Somerset Democrat, and soon was left in sole charge of
it as his brother became an officer in company B, 54th Regi-
ment, Pennsylvania Volunteers. During this period he
continued his studies as he intended to return to college
and complete his course. In August, 1862, he raised a
company of volunteers which was mustered into the United
States service with young Baer, not yet twenty years of
age, as captain. His regiment joined the Army of the
Potomac at the second battle of Bull Run and fought at
Antietam, Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville. Captain
Baer was mustered out of service May 26, 1863, and
returned to Somerset.
He at once began to read law with his brothers William
and Herman and was admitted to the bar in April, 1864.
On January 22, 1868, he was admitted to the bar of Berks
County, establishing his office and residence in Reading,
Pennsylvania. Here his practice grew rapidly. In 1870
he became counsel to the Philadelphia and Reading Rail-
road and later became a director of the same. About this
time he became a trusted confidential legal adviser in Penn-
sylvania of J. Pierpont Morgan and was prominent in the
reorganization of the Philadelphia and Reading Railroad
Company in 1 85 3 J of which cornpany^^^^^^^^^
dent in 1 90 1. In the words of another: "The entire sys-
tem has prospered under President Baer's wise conserva-
tive policies, and he will go down in history as one of the
Biographical Sketches of Deceased Members. 37
great railroad executives of his time." He was also largely
identified with the Reading Iron Company, the Temple
Iron Company, the Pennsylvania Steel and the Cambria
Steel companies, the Reading Paper Mills, the Penn Na-
tional Bank, the Reading Hospital, the Reading Trust
Company, Penn Common, the Wyomissing Club, the
Reading Free Library, and the Berkshire Club. As Presi-
dent of the Park Commission he was largely instrumental
in securing Penn Common from the county authorities as
the property of Reading. He also erected the first modern
office building in Reading, a seven-story structure of eighty
rooms.
During his entire public life Mr. Baer's services as
lecturer and platform speaker were in frequent demand.
His printed addresses delivered before colleges and learned
societies, at the dedication of the Soldiers' and Sailors'
Monument at Allentown, and before popular audiences, all
show the thoughtful student of men and affairs, in whom
culture and logic were happily blended. He also took a
deep interest in Franklin and Marshall College, served as
a trustee from 1872, and as the head of its board from
1894 to the time of his death. In 1886 the college con-
ferred on him the honorary degree of Doctor of Laws
(LL.D.) and in 1895 he was chosen Vice-President of the
Alumni Association.
Although an ardent Democrat, he never accepted pub-
lic office, was a strong " Gold Democrat," and by his " Ap-
peal to Democrats " vigorously opposed William J. Bryan
in his "silver heresy."
-" in 1866 Mr. Baer married Emily, daiTghfer of John"'
O. Kimmel, of Somerset, Pennsylvania, who was a most
worthy and helpful companion in the active and varied
interests of her prominent husband. From this union
3S
The Pennsylvania-German Society,
sprang the following children: Marlon, the wife of Wil-
liam N. Appel; Helen, the wife of William Griscom Coxe;
Mary, the wife of Isaac Hiester; Emily, the widow of
Frank L. Connard; and Nellie, the wife of Heber L.
Smith.
The church-home of the family was the Second Re-
formed Church of Reading.
Mr. Baer was one of the founders of the Pennsylvania-
German Society and presided over the convention at which
the formal organization was effected.
He died April 26, 19 14.
^^^ As we survey the life and achievements of George F.-
Baer, the most prominent trait in his character shows itself
in his predominant industry. He was a tireless worker,
and in his own life illustrated the spirit of one of his best
known addresses, "Work is Worship." He attained dis-
tinction and success not through influence or favor, but
through his own indomitable will and strong belief in him-
self, supported by an industry that was well-nigh tireless.
Truly in his life, character and achievements George Fred-
erick Baer personified the sterling qualities of his Penn-
sylvania-German ancestry, by the cultivation of which
qualities he became one of the leading citizens of his state
and his nation. G. T. E.
THE PENNSYLVANIA-GERMAN SOCIETY.
B. OCT. 21, 1837; D. JAN. 31, 1914.
PRESIDENT PENNSYLVANIA-GERMAN SOCIETY 1905.
Biographical Sketches of Deceased Members. 39
Hon. James Addams Beaver, LL.D.
James Addams Beaver was born at Mlllerstown, Perry-
County, Pa., October 21, 1837. His father, Jacob Beaver
(b. Nov. 28, 1805-d. Aug. 17, 1840), was a son of Peter
Beaver (b. Dec. 25, 1782-d. Aug. 26, 1849), who mar-
ried Elizabeth Gilbert and was a son of George Beaver
(b. May I, 1755-d. Jan. 1836), who married Catharine
Kieff er and was a son of George Beaver.
The mother of the subject of this sketch was Ann Eliza
Addams (b. Jan. 30, 1812-d. June 29, 1880), whose
paternal grandmother was Barbara Ruth, of Berks County,
and her maternal grandmother was Lydia Miller (b. Jan.
2, 1791-d. March 5, 18 19), of the same county, whose
mother was Elizabeth Feather, the daughter of Maria or
Mary Levan.
The Beavers came from Alsace In 1740, the Kieff ers
came from Germany in 1748, and the Gilberts also came
from Germany. Peter Beaver was a clergyman in the
Methodist Episcopal Church and George Beaver served
in the 4th Pennsylvania Battalion under Col. Anthony-
Wayne in the American Revolution. All the greatgrand-
fathers of James Addams Beaver, George Beaver, Samuel
Gilbert, Isaac Addams, and Jacob Miller served in the
Revolutionary War. William Addams, another ancestor,
came from England and laid out the town of Adamstown,
Lancaster "County, Pa., about 1761;
James Addams Beaver was graduated from Jefferson
College, Canonsburg, Pa., in 1856, read law and was ad-
4© The Pennsylvania-German Society.
mitted to the bar in 1858, practicing from 1859 to 1861,
when he entered the service of his country and became
Second Lieutenant of the Second Pennsylvania Infantry.
On October 21, 1861, he was appointed Lieutenant-Col-
onel of the Forty-fifth Pennsylvania Infantry and on Sep-
tember 8, 1862, he became Colonel of the 148th Pennsyl-
vania Infantry. He was breveted Brigadier-General of
Volunteers for highly meritorious and distinguished con-
duct throughout the campaign, particularly for valuable
services at Cold Harbor while commanding a brigade, and
was honorably discharged, December 22, 1864. He was
-shot through the body at Chancellorsville, May 3, 1863,
was shot in the side at Petersburg, Va., in June, 1864, and
lost a leg at Ream's Station, August 24, 1864.
Upon his return from the war he resumed the practice
of law at Bellefonte, Pa., and married Mary A., the
daughter of Hon. H. N. McAllister on December 26,
1865.
From 1870 to 1887 he served as Major-General of the
National Guard of Pennsylvania, was defeated for Gover-
nor of Pennsylvania by Robert E. Pattison in 1882, but
was elected to succeed him in 1886, and served as Judge
of the Superior Court of his native state from 1896 till his
death, which occurred January 31, 19 14. He was presi-
dent of the board of trustees of Pennsylvania State Col-
lege, a delegate to the National Republican Convention in
1880, vice-moderator of the Presbyterian General Assem-
bly in 1888 and 1895, a member of the President's Com-
mission to investigate the War Department in 1898, and
a delegate to the General Missionary Conference, Edin-
burgh, in 19 10.
He received the honorary degree of Doctor of Laws
Biographical Sketches of Deceased Members. 41
(LL.D.) from Hanover College, Indiana, Dickinson Col-
lege, Pennsylvania, and the University of Edinburgh, Scot-
land.
Governor Beaver was elected to membership in the
Pennsylvania-German Society, January 11, 1893, and
served as president of the same in 1905.
G. T. E.
42 The Pennsylvania-German Society.
Hon. Maurice C. Eby.
Maurice C. Eby was bom at Middletown, Pennsyl-
vania, in May, 1846. He was the eldest son of David
Rupley Eby and Elizabeth Gross Eby. Before he was one
year old, his parents removed with him to Harrisburg,
which city continued to be his home for the remainder of
his life.
He was graduated from Lafayette College, and after
leaving college he took a tour abroad, and was absent for
more than three years. Most of his time abroad was spent
at Geneva, Switzerland, and Carlsruhe, Baden. To pleas-
ure and sight-seeing he added the more serious business of
acquiring a practical knowledge of the German language,
visiting at intervals many of the old world cities.
He began his business career at Harrisburg as a mer-
chant in 1 87 1.
As a young man he was the patron of manly sports, and
withal a practical reformer. A lover of animate nature,
he could not endure the ill treatment or abuse of the faith-
ful beast of burden and the domestic animals about him.
He was officially appointed an agent for the prevention of
cruelty to children and animals, and he did not hesitate to
enforce the law against cruelty to dumb animals and the ill
treatment of children. He was known as a practical and
kind-hearted agent of these societies.
In public life he was to a degree a'ctiv 2\.s Mayor arid"'
chief executive of the city of Harrisburg during the years
1893, 4 and 5, he served conscientiously and faithfully,
THE PENNSYLVANIA-GERMAN SOCIETY.
MAURICE C. EBY.
B. MAY, 1846; D. APRIL 4, 1914.
Biographical Sketches of Deceased Members. 43
retiring gracefully, with no other aim for the rest of his
life, as he himself put it, than "To remain a good citizen,
obeying all the laws of the Commonwealth and the ordi-
nances of the city; determined to perform a good deed
daily, and make a blade of grass grow where none grew
before."
Mr. Eby was an active member of the Harrisburg
Board of Trade, and became widely interested in munic-
ipal affairs. He served as president of the Board of
Trade during the year 1901, and remained interested in
the affairs of Harrisburg until his death.
- He was a lover of the past, and an absorbing reader of
everything that pertained to it. He loved to wander through
the foothills of history, but never arose to the higher planes
of research and constructive work, although he was a valu-
able adviser and instructive conversationalist in that
domain.
He was an active member of the Historical Society of
Dauphin County, Pennsylvania, for upwards of twenty-
five years. He was one of the founders, and for a number
of years a faithful member of the executive committee of
the Pennsylvania-German Society.
Mr. Eby was unmarried. He had scores of friends.
His humane disposition, large-heartedness, and hospitable
traits endeared him to all. He died, after some period of
acute suffering, on Saturday, April 4, 19 14, at the age of
sixty-eight.
44 The Pennsylvania-German Society.
William Laubach.
William Laubach, born in Plainfield Township, North-
ampton County, Pa., February i8, 1833, was a son oF
Abraham Laubach (b. Nov. 19, i8o8-d. Sept. 15, 1890),-
whose father, Adam Laubach (b. Dec. 23, 1766), was a
son of John George Laubach (b. Nov. 11, 1723), and a
grandson of Christian Laubach, who was born in Ger-
many, emigrated from the Palatinate In August, 1738,
and arrived in Philadelphia, September 16, 1738.
The mother of William Laubach was Lydia Beidel-
man (b. April 12, 1809-d. April 30, 1895), a daughter
of Abraham Beidelman (b. Nov. 26, 1772-d. Sept. 11,
1857), a son of Samuel Beidelman (b. May 30, 1750-
d. April 16, 1836), whose father, Elias Beidelman (b.
Sept. 27, 1707-d. Oct. 25, 1781), was born in the Palati-
nate and emigrated to Pennsylvania in 1730.
While a boy William Laubach attended the district
school and worked on his father's farm. At the age of
fifteen he took a position in a country store at Kesslersville,
where he remained until 1853, when he came to Easton,
Pa., and entered the store of the late Jacob Hay, then a
prominent retail dealer in dry goods, with whom he re-
mained about five years, after which he spent a year as
clerk in the establishment of Jacob Rader, at that time one
of the leading merchants of Easton. On April 6, i860,
he opened a dry goods store in a room 12 by 40 feet in
size, on a part of the site the extensive establishment now
occupies. From this humble beginning the business grew,
more space was needed, one property after the other was
Biographical Sketches of Deceased Members. 45
added, until now the firm of William Laubach and Sons
occupies a business home with a frontage of one hundred
and seven feet and a floor space of more than sixty thou-
sand square feet. In 1908 the five sons of the founder of
the business were taken into the partnership and the firm
was incorporated under the name of William Laubach and
Sons.
On Aug. 19, i860, Mr. Laubach married Mary
Frances, daughter of the late George and Annie Horn, of
Easton, Pa. This union was blessed with twelve children.
Mr. Laubach was prominent as a Mason, being a mem-
-ber of Easton Lodge, No. 152, F. and A. M., Easton
Chapter, No. 173, R. A. M., Hugh De Payens Com-
mandery, No. 19, Knights Templar, of Easton, and Rajah
Temple, of Reading.
For sixty years Mr. Laubach was an active and influ-
ential member of the First Reformed Church of Easton.
He served as a member of the school board, as a director
in the Northampton National Bank and as a member of the
Easton Board of Trade. "He was always interested in
everything which promised to uplift the business, indus-
trial, educational, moral and spiritual welfare of the com-
munity. His counsel was often sought and his opinions
were freely accepted, though he was deferential and never
advanced his personal ideas except in a modest and cour-
teous way. He was of inestimable service and held the
respect and in his latter days the veneration of this entire
section. He was a liberal giver to the church and his
charity in this community was limited only by his good
judgment.'
Mr. Laubach died July 30, 19 14.
He joined the Pennsylvania-German Society October
25, 1900. G. T. E.
46 The Pennsylvania-German Society.
Prof. Lewis S. Shimmell, Ph.D.
Lewis Slifer Shimmell, born September 13, 1852, In
Springfield Township, Bucks County, Pa., was a son of
Levi Oberholtzer Shimmell (b. 1826-d. 1903), whose
father John Shimmell (b, i8oo-d. i860) married Hannah
Oberholtzer (b. i8oi-d. 1878). John was a son of
Christian Shimmell (d. 1828) and a grandson of George
Shimmell, who died in 1800.
The mother of Lewis S. Shimmell was Mary Slifer (b.
1824-d. 1877) whose father, John Slifer (b. i8oo-d.
1859), married a Miss Shelly (b. 1802-d. 1867). John
Slifer's father and grandfather were also named John and
the greatgrandfather was Henry, who was bom in 1700
and died in 1796. George Shimmell came to America in
1753, and Henry Slifer came in 1739; both came from
Switzerland.
The subject of this sketch studied at the Wadsworth,
Ohio, Seminary, and was graduated from the Millersville
State Normal School, in the normal course in 1875 and in
the scientific course in 1877.
In 1878 he married Sarah Bare, of Bareville, Lancaster
County, Pa.
In 1886, while superintendent of the schools of Hunt-
ingdon, Pa., he established The School Gazette, of which
he was the editor for many years. In 1893 he was elected
"to a position in the high schbbr of Hafrisburg, Pa., whicH
position he filled in a most satisfactory manner for nearly
a score of years. In 1900 he completed postgraduate
Biographical Sketches of Deceased Members. 47
work in pedagogy, constitutional history and American
history, for which the University of Pennsylvania con-
ferred on him the degree of Doctor of Philosophy. His
thesis on " Border Warfare in Pennsylvania During the
Revolution " has been widely circulated. He also wrote
and published three successful text-books, "The Pennsyl-
vania Citizen," "A History of Pennsylvania," and "Our
State and Nation." Of " The Pennsylvania Citizen "
120,000 copies were sold in less than ten years.
Dr. Shimmell joined the Pennsylvania-German Society
on November 7, 1907.
He died March 9, 19 14. —
G. T. E.
msMmimmi^mm
48 The Pennsylvania-German Society.
Hon. George Franklin Huff.
John Frederick von Hoof emigrated From Berlin, Ger-
many, about the year 1754. He was born July 8, 1734,
and died April 26, 18 16. His son was George Huff, who
was born August, i, 1779, and died February 24, 1845,
and married Anna Mull. From this union sprang George
Huff (b. 18 13 — d. 1858), the father of the subject of
this sketch. The mother was Carolyne (b. September 5,
1 8 17), daughter of Henry K. Boyer, whose father was
Jacob Boyer (b. 1754 — d. February 11, 1796).
George Franklin Huff was born at Norristown, Pa.,
July 16, 1842. He received his preliminary education in
the public schools of MIddletown, Pa., and later at Al-
toona. Pa., where he learned a trade In the car shops of
the Pennsylvania Railroad Company. At an early age
he entered the banking house of William M. Lloyd and
Company.
In 1867 he removed to Westmoreland County, Penn-
sylvania, to engage In the banking business. In 1871 he
married Henrietta, daughter of the late Judge Jeremiah
M. Burrell, of Pennsylvania, afterwards United States
District Judge and Chief Justice of Kansas by appoint-
ment of President Franklin Pierce. He was a member of
the National Republican Convention in 1880, where he
was one of the memorable " 306," who followed the lead
of Roscoe Conkling in the effort to nominate General U.-
S. Grant for the Presidency. Mr. Huff was president of
the Keystone Coal and Coke Company, one of the largest
Biographical Sketches of Deceased Members. 49
producers of gas and steam coal in the United States. He
was also largely interested in many other business enter-
prises in various parts of Pennsylvania, in addition to his
banking business in Greensburg, in which he had been
engaged since his youth. He was also president of the
Westmoreland Hospital Association.
In 1884 he was elected to the Senate of Pennsylvania,
in which he represented the Thirty-ninth District for four
years. He was elected to the Fifty-second Congress from
the Twenty-first District, then composed of Westmore-
land, Indiana, Armstrong and Jefferson Counties; was
chosen Congressman-at-Large from Pennsylvania to the
Fifty-fourth Congress; and was reelected to the Fifty-
eighth Congress.
After a life of such constant and varied activities he
died April 18, 19 12.
He was elected a member of the Pennsylvania-German
Society November i, 1906.
mes^^sBBm
50 The Pennsylvania-German Society.
George R. Oberholtzer.
The ancestor of George R. Oberholtzer came from the
Palaflnate and arrived in America from Rotterdam on
September 30, 1727. The earhest name found on Mr.
Oberholtzer's application for membership in the Penn-
sylvania-German Society was that of Samuel Oberholtzer
or Oberholtz, who died in 1748. He was the son of Mar-
tin Oberholtzer, who died in 1774. Martin's father was
also called Martin, was born March 25, 1764, and died
October 2, 1833. The father of Martin Oberholtzer was
John Oberholser (observe the spelling), who was born
February 28, 1793, and died January 24, 1875. The son
of John Oberholser was Isaac Kurtz Oberholser, born
May 21, 1836, and the father of George Rueger Ober-
holtzer, the subject of this sketch,
George Rueger Oberholtzer was born September 20,
1867, at Terre Hill, Lancaster County, Pa., and after he
had received the usual preliminary education in the schools
of his native county, we find him serving the United
States government as observer for the United States
Weather Bureau at Charlotte, North Carolina. Later we
find him at Erie, Pa., where he lost his life in an ice-boat
accident on February 8, 19 13.
Mr. Oberholtzer was elected to membership in the
Pennsylvania-German Society October^^^^^2 1903, ..„
G. T. E.
Biographical Sketches of Deceased Members. 51
Thomas W. Saeger.
The name Saeger, spelled also Sager and Seger, is found
in old records of Germany and Switzerland as far back
as 1388, when Conrad Sager of Zug was killed by Aus-
trians. In 1402 Burki Sager was a councillor in Bern and
i" ^SS2) John Sager was Governor of Arberg.
John Nicholas Saeger, born in Reichenbach, Bavaria,
in 1694, became the ancestor of the greater part of the
family in this country. With his wife, Anna Barbara,
born in 1705, and their seven children he sailed from Rot-
terdam, Holland, in the ship Richmond and Elizabeth and
arrived in Philadelphia on September 28, 1733. He
settled upon a tract of 250 acres along the Coplay Creek
in Whitehall Township, Lehigh County, Pennsylvania,
which he secured by a warrant dated March 28, 1737.
The plant of the Lehigh Portland Cement Co. is now
located on this land. This land he farmed until his death,
when, by will dated October 22, 1753, and probated Feb-
ruary 5, 1762, it became the property of his two oldest
sons. He was a Lutheran in faith and worshipped at the
Jordan Lutheran and at the Egypt churches. He died
in January, 1762, survived by ten of his thirteen children.
Jacob Saeger was born October 29, 1774, and was a
farmer on a part of the old Saeger tract in Whitehall
Township. In 1 8 15 he removed la -Allentown, PennsyI-__
vania, where, with his brother Daniel, he erected a grist-
mill and engaged in mercantile enterprises. He married
Margaret, daughter of Martin Mickley, with whom he
52 The Pennsylvania-German Society.
had eight children : Sarah, Catharine, Charles, Ann, Wil-
liam, Abigail, Mary and Rebecca. Abigail married Chris-
tian Pretz and Rebecca married Henry Weinsheimer, both
of which gentlemen became prominent in the Lutheran
Church and the mercantile life of Allentown, Pennsylvania.
Wilham Saeger was born September 4, 1806, and later
in life became an extensive dealer in grain, a manufacturer
of lumber and proprietor of grist-mills. From 1862 to
1883 he served as president of the Allentown National
Bank. In 1833 he married Hannah, daughter of Daniel
Gangewere (b. November 12, 1809 — d. June 23, 1887),
with whom he had three sons: Alfred G., Jacob H., and
Thomas W. William Saeger died March 10, 1893.
Thomas W. Saeger, the subject of this sketch, was born
in Allentown, Pa., November 30, 1843. H!e received his
earlier education in the public schools of his native city and
the Allentown Academy, and was graduated in 1863, from
Pennsylvania College, Gettysburg, Pa., where he heard
President Lincoln deliver the speech that has since become
a classic in English literature. Upon graduation he ac-
cepted a position in the Allentown Rolling Mills, but later
went to Duluth, Minn., where for several years he had
charge of a grain elevator. Upon his return to Allen-
town for a number of years he engaged in the milling
business.
On January 26, 1875, he married Florence Troxell of
Allentown, Pa. He died November 19, 19 13. Mr.
Saeger had travelled extensively in Europe, Egypt and the
Holy Land and was a member of St. John's Lutheran
Church of Allentown, the Livingston Club, the Lehigh
Country Club, the Lehigh County Historical Society, the
Pennsylvania-German Society and the Sigma Chi Fra-
ternity.
Biographical Sketches of Deceased Members. 53
Thomas W. Saeger was a Christian gentleman, cul-
tured and refined, fond of literature, art and music. As
a business man, he was keen and energetic, the very soul
of honor; as a citizen, he was interested in all that made
for the progress and the uplift of the community. He
was, moreover, a man of deeply religious nature, well
acquainted with the doctrines of the Lutheran Church,
which he several times represented at the meetings of the
Minlsterium of Pennsylvania and the General Council of
North America. In politics he was a Republican, but re-
served the right to think for himself. For many years he
was a very useful and enthusiastic member of the board of
trustees of Muhlenberg College.
Mr. Saeger was elected to membership in the Pennsyl-
vania-German Society January 15, 1897.
G. T. E.
54 The Pennsylvania-German Society.
Christian Edgar Titzel.
The ancestors of Christian Edgar Titzel came from
Reiken or Recken in Germany and landed in Philadelphia
in 1751.
John Jonas Rupp, born November 3, 1729, died May
21, 1 80 1, had a son Martin Rupp, born September 15,
1769, died July 18, 1843, whose daughter Mary Rupp,
born May 10, 18 10, died October i, 1882, married a
Titzel, and became the mother of John Martin Titzel,
born March 19, 1832, died June 16, 1905, who in turn
became the father of the subject of this sketch.
Christian Edgar Titzel was born at Irwin Station,
Westmoreland County, Pa., May 4, 1875. He was man-
ager of the Lancaster County Railway and Light Com-
pany and was a prominent member of the First Reformed
Church of Lancaster, Pa., as well as a highly esteemed
citizen of the community. At the time of his death he was
a trustee of the First Reformed Church.
He died of cerebral hemorrhage at the early age of 37
years, on March 30, 19 13.
Mr. Titzel was chosen a member of the Pennsylvania-
German Society November 5, 1908.
G. T. E.
Biographical Sketches of Deceased Members. 55
William Weis,
The ancestor of William Weis came from Baden, Ger-
many, in 1852. His grandfather on the paternal side,
Johann Weis, born April 18, 1794, died June 16, 1876,
was Burgomaster at Altsimonswald, Amt Waldkirch,
Baden, Germany, for forty years. Burgomaster Weis
had a son named Andrew, born September 7, 1829, died
May 2, 1882, who was the father of the subject of this
brief sketch. The mother of William Weis was PauHne
Buehrer, born January 20, 1835, a daughter of Francis
Xavier Buehrer, who was born in 1794, and, having been
a Revolutionist in Germany, came to America in 1848 at
the time that Franz Sigel and others were obliged to leave.
William Weis was born at Reading, Pa., on April 17,
1857, later became an apothecary in New York City,
where he resided at No. 213 West 34th Street. He died
April I, 1912.
He had been elected to associate membership in the
Pennsylvania-German Society October 20, 1899.
G. T. E.
vnnin:
THE GERMAN INFLUENCE
IN ITS SETTLEMENT AND DEVELOPMENT
H TRarrative an5 Critical Ibistors
PREPARED BY AUTHORITY OF
THE PENNSYLVANIA-GERMAN SOCIETY
PART XXVII
THE DIARIUM OF
M AGISTER JOHANNES KELPIUS
PUBLISHED BY THE SOCIETY
publication Committee.
JULIUS F. SACHSE, Utt.D.
DANIEL W. NEAD, M.D.
J. E. B. BUCKENHAM, M.D.
THE PENNSYLVANIA-GERMAN SOCIETY.
JOHANNES KELPIUS.
FROM THE ORIGINAL CANVAS BV OR. CHRISTOPHER WITT, NOW IN THE HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF PENNSYLVANIA.
XTbe 2)iatium
of
/Ifta^istec S^obannes IRelpius
WITH ANNOTATIONS BY
JULIUS FRIEDRICH SACHSE
Part XXVII of a Narrative and Critical History
PUBLISHED BY
The Pennsylvania-German Society
LANCASTER, PA.
1917
Copyrighted 1917
BY THE
ipennsslraniaeCetman Soctets.
PRESS OF
THE NEW ERA PRINTING COMPANY
LANCASTER, PA.
THE JOURNAL OF KELPIUS.
Magister Johannes Kelpius, the
leader of the band of Ger-
man Pietists who came to
these shores in the year of
grace 1694, and settled on
the banks of the WIssahickon,
will always remain one of the
most picturesque characters
of our early Pennsylvania-
German history; the more so
on account of a certain air of
mystery and romance which
has thus far enshrouded his personality.^
Kelpius and his company of German Pietists located
1 For a full account of Kelpius, see " The German Pietists of Provincial
Pennsylvania," Philadelphia, 1895, pp. 219-250.
5
6 The Pennsylvania'German Society.
themselves in what was then unbroken wilderness upon the
hills overlooking the Wissahlckon Creek, a small stream
which winds Its way through rocky forest dells and valleys
until it mingles its crystal waters with the Schuylkill River.
Changing the scene to the present day, the wilderness
where Kelpius and his followers located in the last decade
of the seventeenth century, and erected their tabernacle, is
now a built-up part of the city of Philadelphia, known as
the twenty-first ward, while the Wissahlckon with its
romantic dells, valleys and rugged hills is now a part of
Philadelphia's great natural pleasure ground, known far
and wide as Fairmount Park. ~
Unfortunately Kelpius, in his modesty, left but little
written record of the great work performed by him during
the fourteen long years that he lived on the banks of the
romantic Wissahlckon. How earnestly he sought to im-
prove the morals and spiritual condition of the rude and
heterogeneous population that was then scattered through
eastern Pennsylvania, is shown by the many traditions and
legends that have survived for two centuries.
By reason of his scholarly attainments, devout life, inde-
pendent bearing, and, it may be said, broad humanity,
together with his repeated refusals of worldly honors and
civil power, that were at various times thrust upon him, the
maglster on the Wissahlckon stands out In bold relief as a
prominent example of piety and disinterestedness.
There can be but little doubt that this devout scholar,
who thus voluntarily banished himself from the fatherland
home and friends had many difficulties to contend with,
both within and without the community, and that his posi-
tion at the head of such a fraternity was anything but a
sinecure. There were conflicting interests to equalize and,
The Journal of Kelpius.
Cf the
at the twte
^ Mr cSi^^z'"^^
Joi jKii/fLiter
yPltcA.'^tf ^ 9 JO
,£
ny me /o
Wi^ tkat If /tune tReuiy /hci/!/f(e ti
'J^^^Jh^ mat If mne trnf/iy/ha^fc
nun c/ fA/y^f,^/s
^^^ tfi A/ner/cu Jyay
English Title Page to Kelpius' Ms. Hymn Book.
8 The Pennsylvania-German Society,
upon more than one occasion, stubborn minds to combat.
When internal dissensions threatened the fraternity it was
always left to Kelpius to use the olive branch.
So far as known to the present writer, but two manu-
script volumes of Magister Kelpius have come down to us;
p
'-£■- /'/ •
ffiffy- /} r^.-f^s'" ^-v^.
Fac-Simile of Title Page of the Kelpius Journal.
one a volume of hymns and muslc,^ the other, which is the
subject of this paper, is his journal or diarium in Latin
with its daily entries during the voyage from London to
Pennsylvania. This commences on the first day of Jan-
uary, 1694, and ends on June 24, the passage having taken
ten weeks, the actual voyage starting on the seventh day
of February. He divides his entries into six periods and
^ Ibid., pp. 234-243.
The Journal of Kelpiiis. 9
three weeks, which covers seventeen pages of the journal;
after the following introduction, which is apparently a quo-
tation from Seneca, is headed:
CXtrii na^ru. rumv finni d tiote/t . Xhn^ah'ik. rn^%St^,
dicltruY Jed wCtt^ yri eyij a^r*tC4^nA. terrain trCnvO , n tnt^m
(A ubi CUfi^ Ofru. cJt . Ji tfymt jQjyKnc^ /^j^^^/1''^' **^'^-
fi ftvdhU, tKuicJ:\ ^ ^
Fac-Simile of Introduction.
" Seneca De Refor."
" I cannot go beyond my country: it is the one of all ; no one can
be banished outside of this. My country is not forbidden to me,
but only a locality. Into whatever land I come, I come into my
own: none is exile, but only another country. My country is
wherever it is well ; for if one is wise he is a traveller ; if foolish an
exile. The great principle of virtue is, as he said, a mind gradually
-trained first to barter visible and transitory things, that it may
afterwards be able to give them up. He is delicate to whom his
country is sweet ; but he is strong to whom every single thing is his
country; indeed he is perfect to whom the world is exile."
10
The Pennsylvania-German Society.
The next leaf may be called a title, and sets forth that
the following are ''Literal copies of letters to friends in
and out of Pennsylvania, sent from the wilderness by
Johanno Kelpio, Transylvania, 1 694-1 703, 4, 5, 6, 7."
The Good Ship " Sara Maria," Capt. Tanner, Master.
{Sara Mariabonae Spei. Kelpius.)
3. N. 31.
January
(In the Name of Jesus)
A. D. 1694.
y J^k N the 7th of Jan., I, convinced by God, resolved upon
M *m y^ going to America, my companions being: Henry
■ I I Bernard Coster,^^ Daniel Falkner,^^ Daniel Lutke,
M I "y John Seelig, Ludwig Bidermann,^^ as well as about
^^ L^ 40 Other companions, some of whom were numbered
(mustered), and others convicted by God, in Ger-
many, had as yet in the preceding year, resolved upon that voyage.
February On Feb. 7th I engaged for them the ship, " sarah maria," of
good hope, Captain John Tanner, an Englishman, the vessel being
hired at seven (7) English £, of Silver, which I paid out on board
^1 Henrich Bernhard Koster (Coster-Kuster). For full account of this
early pioneer and Evangelist cf. " German Pietists in Provincial Pennsyl-
vania," pp. 251-298,
1- Daniel Falckner. Ibid., pp. 299-3341.
13 Ludwig Christian Biederman was the first member of the community
to break his voluntary resolution of celibacy. Almost immediately upon his
arrival in Gerraantown he married Maria Margaretha, the daughter of
the widow of Rev. Johann Jacob Zimmermann. Cf. " German Pietists,"
pp. 460-472. They had been fellow passengers across the ocean.
II
12
The Pennsylvania-German Society.
.^9rr>
"X/^inu, fnnn^u ^^t^i *^ ^M^y '^::S^^^
O^Tf
mvUt-eM^m e^0 ^&/fs?nei TXyvru^rn
4-9**. /?i^ ieitium -t^ J- i. a«te^ie^it/9-' oM^, t^,- ^^"■sshMa ■
^ n»«r*^
j^*^ faTa(%'i /^A'r. e-'^^'t^ i^<JtpL^^ . r^t^ia^ £uftf^^i,-U'
Facsimile of First Page of Diarium of Magister Johannes Kelpius.
The Journal of Kelpius. 13
the ship on the 14th of this month, having embarked on the 13th,
but the rest had embarked on the 12th. J^ H-8
This first day was passed tranquilly on the Thames river, by our
people, by me (in this manner) for the greatest part. At night-
fall a dispute arose concerning the arrangement of the beds, which
(dispute) kindled the zeal in P. G. (puellis, Germanis — German
girls?), so that disappointed in the pacific union of heart, I deemed
my zeal for obtaining a single bed the heaven of Christ, (zelum
and coelum, being here a je de mots). The lewdness might have
increased (?) until Maria (solitaria, a spinster, lone woman)
brought in an Ethiopian virgin, who would previously inform her-
self concerning the purity of an European maiden, before she con-
sented to marriage. But George was afflicted with a most severe
illness, the condition forbids me here, enough, wherefore in this
manner he slept alone.
The second day 4. 15th Feb. was lucky for us (secunda and
secunde — 2nd & lucky, another je de mots). But the third was j^^
destined fatal. My apprehensive mind presaged evils with a fortu- 16. 9
nate outcome. Falkner said the same of himself. We were visited
first by the impress-gang of the king. Then we were driven towards
sand-banks^'* by a contrary and turbulent wind ; wishing to escape
these, we sought safety in our anchor, whereby we should have
perished if not Divine providence had made it, that the great
weight of the metal, which, under our ship, would have perforated
the same had not the anchor been broken itself. Our anchor being
lost in this manner, we were at length borne upon the sand-banks
by the whirl. All, saving a few, feared the end was at hand.
The Captain having fired off four cannon, called those who were
near to the rescue, but took pity on none of us. We furled the
sails and committed the vessel to the turbulent billows, whilst
the sailors were despairing. I had hold (of) the turtle-dove, that
is not to be deserted, about the middle (waist) from the begin-
(Pagf 2 ot 9^0.)
ning (Feb. 16) of the storm, a divine witness, when already I saw
Improbably one of the shoals known as the Goodwin Sands.
vr»
14 The Pennsylvania-German Society.
our pilot despairing in the midst of our distress, when I was
admonished, likewise, that by bearing witness concerning the most
certain aid of God, I should raise his faith and hope, but being
agitated myself, I kept my thoughts for myself. I was admonished
a second time, but seeing him intent on other matters and turned
away from me, I held my peace in turn. All were despairing
and invoked the name of Jesus, as if about to journey into another
life. Then being admonished (divinely) for the third time, I
said to the pilot: "Have faith in God, who certainly will save
us." The pilot rejoiced, for he was not so ignorant of divine
matters. He pressed my hands and said : " God alone can help me
everywhere, on Him shall I hope." Said, done (No sooner had
he said these words than they were fulfilled). The storm began to
drive the ship away from the sand-banks into deep water, where
casting anchor, we praised God in safety. Meanwhile Coster, with
the rest, had been pouring forth strong supplication to God (and
indeed, about that time, when I began to collect my thoughts) as
soon as I was admonished for the 3rd time, inwardly, and addressed
the pilot, he had changed his entreaty to a prayer of thanksgiving,
being sure his wish had been granted, though not knowing what
just now was being done by us (with us).
I went below, rejoicing in our deliverance, to announce the
glad tidings. I told them what had been done by me just a little
while ago, and they, in turn, related their experience; therefore
I no longer wondered at the divine virtue in me while I prayed,
(their prayers had so powerfully aided me). I went up on deck
and explained the matter more fully to the pilot, who began to
praise the Lord with folded hands, especially when I added, that
still more dangers were imminent {threatening), but that I was
fully convinced of the final aid of God. Going below for the 2nd
time, I also disclosed this matter to my brethren, when Falkner,
filled with the spirit. of God, poured forth fervent thanksgiving:
Praised be the name of the Lord for ever! Amen!. Hallelujah!
The Journal of Kelphis. 15
(^m 3 of si?s.) ^.,„^^
The fourth day the Sabbath was, indeed, a Sabbath for us, i?- h
who, in this quietude, persevered in the praises of God, our 18. ©
Preserver.
The fifth day, which was of the sun (lis-solis?) the infant son
of Henry Lorentz, died, aged 6 months, his remains were cast into
the sea (or, "he fell into the sea"). We were again visited by
the royal impress gang, who would have borne oS as their booty
three of the best attendants of our pilot (captain) under pretense
of the Swedish nation (for Swedes they were) had not divine favor
won over unto us the hearts of the soldiers; for Coster had pre-
viously poured forth a most fervent prayer. By the aforesaid provi-
dence, those impressors carried off from a neighboring vessel, that
was going to sail to America with us, three Belgian sailors.
Thereafter we were happily borne by a gentle breeze from out of
that dangerous place to one more secure, and there, having cast
anchor, we remained through the night.
On the 6th day, we vainly sought for our lost anchor, but, a
great calm arising, we were obliged to rest, making up for the
delay by reading the Bible and dissertations on sacred subjects. At
night we were in turn visited by the impress-gang, who carried off
one of our younger servants, yet we, in turn, acquired a former
servant and sailor of the king's.
On the 7th day, we were borne by a favorable wind over (past)
rocky and sandy ledges and on the right, leaving behind for ever
the shore of England. About even-tide there approached to us
some men-of-war with 22 other vessels, bearing and accompanying
Prince Ludwig of Baden from England to Holland. At night,
casting anchor beyond the rocks, we slept securely and soundly
(on either ear).
The 8th day (i. e. the 7th of our sailing), brought Sabbath
and rest, for, happily, a south-wind blowing, we were borne to a
place called " Downs " by the English, where the rest of the ships
that were going to sail to America with us, were assembled. [^
19. 3
i6
The Pennsylvania-German Society.
t
(l^affe 4 of Q^gi.)
(Period Second)
February At that port (Downs) ^^ we awaited for about 2 weeks for a favor-
able wind, and the royal mandate, shortening the long, weary hours
by dissertations on sacred subjects and by study of the Bible.
Meanwhile we sent letters to London and to Germany to Tob.
Ad. Lauterbach^^ (Feb. 27th) also to others from whom we re-
ceived answers full of most auspicious omens.^'^ The other part (of
our company) which had been excluded, at London, on account
of their depraved manners, from us and our spiritual intercourse,
wasting their time in brawls and fights, were a scandal even to the
lower (inferior) sailors, who wondered that the young women
were beaten by the men. But even the triumvirate itself (for 3
families had been excluded) was split up into factions, and had not
one yielded to another, the matter might have come from words to
blows, as I have said was done at the former fight.
March On March 3rd our Captain received another anchor, like unto
the one that was lost, though inferior to the latter, yet most
acceptable unto us. Scarcely had we received this anchor when we
were again visited by a furious storm, and what increased the
danger, the two anchors, which we had cast, became interlocked
and could hardly be adjusted (set aright) though it took a long
time. Loosed, we were, meanwhile being borne nearer and nearer
to the rocky and sandy ledges. We saw the cables sustaining the
anchor of a ship not far off being torn asunder. We heard the
boom of cannon of vessels in despair; at the same time we saw
broken spars floating here and there. But what our fate would
have been, I could not (was not allowed to) inquire, nevertheless
we were extricated out of this danger, we were freed.
^5 "The Downs," a spacious roadstead in the English Channel aflFording
an excellent anchorage. It is between the shore and the Goodwin Sands
and is much used by the British Navy.
1^ Tob. Ad. Lauterbach, one of the leaders of the Philadelphiac Com-
munity.
'^'^ This was during the universal war then waged against Louis XIV of
France, 16819^1697. In American history it is known as "King William's
War."
The Journal of Kelpius. . 17 •
Oagf 5 Ot 9$0,)
On the following day I received a letter from Samuel Walden-
field, residing in the " Lamp " on Frenchurch St., London, in March
which letter some money was assigned to me (a draft), sent from Divine
Holland by a devout (Lat. divina) virgin, Catharine Beerens, Virgin
van Boswig, said money to be received of Samuel Standeriwk, at
Deal,'-® who received me and my companion Seelig, very civilly, on
the following day, and by way of conversation, he manifested great
interest (was wonderfully delighted) in the affairs of the Pietists
of Grermany, and desired that we should often come to see him ;
but our unexpected departure on March 8th, frustrated our in-
tention. For the man-of-war accompanying us, received orders 8
from the King to set sail. Therefore, unfurling our sails, about ^
sunset, we were borne along by the east wind with 19 accompany-
ing vessels, whereof 3 were men-of-war.
Next day our Captain received instructions, from the admiral of
the war-vessels, concerning his course of action on the voyage, by 9- 9
day and by night, in all events, in calm or storm, in peace or war.
They read as follows: —
"Instructions for your (the) Boat or keeping Company with
" their Majesty's Ship ye " Sandados Prize," under my Com-
" mand : —
" If I weigh in ye day I will hauld from my foartop sail shrouds
" and fire a Gunn. If in ye night I will putt a Light in ye main
" topmast shrouds and fire a Gunn, which Light you are to
" answer. If I weigh in fog I will fire 3 guns distinctly one after
" another.
" If I anchor in 5^6 night or in a fogg I will fire 2 Guns a small
" distance of time one from ye other and putt aboard a Light
" more than my constant Lights which Light you are to answer."
(Pap 6 ot ^0,)
" If i lye by or try in the Night, i will fire five Guns, and March
"keep a Light abroad more than my constant light in the Main- '"
" Schrouds, and if through extremity of Weather we are forced to
18 Deal, a seaport and market town in Kent, England. It has no harbor.
1 8 The Pennsylvania-German Society.
" lye a HoU or under a Mizon, i will fire three Guns, and put
" abroad two Lights of equal height more than my constant Light,
" and if i make sail in the Night after blowing Weather, or after
" lying by, or for any other reason, i will make the same sign as
" for weighing in the Night, wich Light you are to answer.
" In case of separation if we meet by day, the weathermost ship
"schall lower his Fore-Top-Sail, and those the Levard schall an-
" swer by Lowering their Main-Top-Sail.
" He that apprehends any danger in the Night schall fire Guns
" and put abroad Three Lights of equal height, and bear away, or
" Tack from it ; but if it schould happen to be strange ships, then
" make false fires and endeavour to to speack with my (me) ; and
" to better to Ruon each other in the night, he that hails schall
" ask what schip is that, and he that is heilet schall answer Adven-
" ture, than he that hailet first schall reply Rupert.
(Page 7 ct Sl^0,)
" If i have a desire to speak with you, i will hoist a Jack-Flag
' in my Mizon-Top-Mast-Schrouds, and make a Weft with my
' ensign.
" If you have a desire to speak with my, you schall hoist your
' Ensign in your Pain-Top-Mast-Schrouds.
" If in the night you chance to spring a Leak, keep firing of
' Guns, and showing of Lights."
" Dated on Board their Will Allen.
' Majesty's Ship " Sandados Prize "
' March ye 9, 169^.
On the third day we were borne by a favorable wind, leaving,
10 at about noon, the Isle of Wight on the right. On the 4th day,
^ which was a Sunday, with bright sunshine, a most gentle, yet very
O favorable breeze blowing, we entered the harbor of Plymouth (than
which we could have scarcely wished a better) about five o'clock
jn the evening, and lo! the Belgian war-ships, ceding^ .as it. were,
their station unto us, left the port. We, entering port, occupied
their former place, & now safely moored from billows and storms,
we had, moreover, to the west, our men-of-war, & a citadel, con-
The Journal of Kelpius.
y.,/:v ^^'- ->^ t>W.72i.^ft:<>^
19
/«
> loiU#*KW? i^:??'^"''"*^-' vy^y"'^^ "(ft^^a "'^*L/ n.U'~,
'^
-t^ <^»M ^i> rj <^ «'«• ; J? '^ - -T^"'* '■' •« ^ *te**<fi^
*i^ vt^
tnr*it&ti
T«?_ C^'i^fr «^». ^«
Fac-Simile of Page Containing the Orders of Capt. Allen.
20 The Pennsylvania-German Society.
taming as many guns (cannon) as there are days in the year,
namely 365.
(Page 8 of fit^sf.)
PERIOD THIRD.
At this place we tarried for five weeks, vainly expecting the
royal convoys. Meanwhile we became familiar with sundry citizens
of Plymouth. The rest of our time was spent in sacred exercises
& meditation. I, for my part, received some letters from Cleves
& Niiremberg, wherefore I was not so much in a quandary con-
cerning the manner of our voyage, but I answered all objections
satisfactorily, directing moreover other letters to Lauterbach, Mons
April de Wateville, Moerkamp & others, chiefly at London.
— But when, on April 15th, Danish, Swedish & Spanish floats
landed, we bargained with these for their convoy,^^ & gave up wait-
ing for the royal vessels, & on the i8th, with a favorable south
18.8 wind, the sea being clear, we ventured on our voyage, at about 10
+ a.m. But, lo! when we had scarcely left port, we were driven
about by a contrary breeze, moreover, we descried three stately
ships, which we first took to be French men-of-war, but found out
afterwards they were Portuguese. During the night a heavy fog
arose, so that we were borne along, as it were, blind-folded & lost
the English coast, to which, resplendent in the evening sun, we had
bidden farewell, directing our course westward with a favoring
north-wind, & with 38 vessels accompanying, being mostly Spanish,
these first discoverers but now hated settlers of the new world,
conveying us, seemingly, towards a better hope.
On this day, on account of the opposition of O ^ 8 20. 5 the
superstitious crew expected a huge tempest, but an altogether in-
different sky permitted a prosperous course under Lat. 49° 33'. At
the same time also on the following days 5 ^ O £3' so that that
formidable opposition neither from before nor behind exercised
(?) their powers.
19 In this war, under the league of Augsburg, almost the whole of Europe
was arrayed against France.
The Journal of Kelphis. 21
On this day the south wind blew rather violently. Hourly we April
traversed 5 English miles, but our convoys were scattered all day 23. ^
long & could hardly be kept together by their highest officers. At
mid-day the wind veered from south to west, scarcely giving us
time for furling sail, & awaiting, as yet, the dispersed vessels, our
main-mast sail alone expanded, we ploughed leisurely, the hostile
sea. So the most favorable aspect of the constellations had caused
one of the worst storms.
Hereafter, on the 24th, under Lat. 48° 9', our ships were 24. 9
gathered together. On the 25th, under Lat. 47° 49', with a favor- ^ g
able east-wind, we bade farewell, in the evening, to our Spanish +
convoys, rewarding them also. The name of their highest officer
was Nicholas De Rudder.
PERIOD FOURTH.
Leaving, therefore, the Spanish vessels 25-behind, we were May
borne from Lat. 47° 3' to Lat. 43° 58', being favoured by a most
delightful east-wind throughout the week. In longitude we trav-
ersed more than 300 leagues (1200 geog. mi.), so prosperous was
the 2nd week of our voyage. But on the ist day of the 3rd week, 2.8
which was the 2nd of May, there blew an ugly west-wind, which +
sorely vexed us on the following night.
(Page 10 ot 9^0,)
3. An auspicious day. A north-wind drove us from our place. . -y
4. In consequence of the wind changing to west, we were tossed ^ay
about all night, being hurried along on the tempestuous gale. At . o
the 3rd night-watch it veered towards the north. 5. Weathering 4.5.
fierce storms, we finally proceeded with a favorable north-wind. 6. 0.
6. Under Lat. 49° 55', with west-wind, we sailed southward, until,
iat last, on the 7th, we passed through an unfavorable night. Dur- 7. T^
ing the day, we encountered several storms, losing our fore-masts,
that of the prow & 2 of the middle (the twin masts). Moreover,
we were unable to ascertain our latitude, neither moon, sun, nor
22 The Pennsylvania-German Society.
stars appearing; but a little before evening devotions, a north-wind
g $ cheered the sailors. 8. Under Lat. 41° 22', we sailed along
happily, restoring, in part, our lost masts.
PERIOD FIFTH.
9-8 Our stormy week being at an end, we entered upon a warlike
one. Scarcely had we arisen after a turbulent night, when squalls
10- ^ prevented our refitting the masts. Early on the loth, we beheld
from afar, three vessels. Presently they advanced toward us. Some
conjectured they were English ships homeward bound from Ameri-
can shores. But when, after hoisting our colors, we perceived,
they did not reply, but kept on approaching nearer and nearer, we
thought, they were bent on an engagement. In this we erred not.
For they were French, & their largest vessel carried 22 cannon, the
2nd 10, & the smallest 6 cannon, & since they sailed with a favor-
May able wind, they challenged us to battle. We, having made prepara-
tions for 3^ an hour, kept on the defensive only, & that so bravely,
(j9ag:t ll of 9^^,)
that the largest vessel took to flight. Our companion vessel the
" Providence," seeing this, came up to us, already victors, to the
pursuit of the French vessels, which, now, all fled with every sail
expanded. And because the " Providence " was of superior speed,
she alone coped with the fleeing vessels, with such eagerness, as
though we had gained a greater victory. Sometimes, however,
whilst being greatly troubled by her three adversaries, she would
wait for us to come up, until, at last, we obtained possession of the
smallest ship, which carried six cannon. With this we were con-
tented, although we could have captured the rest, yet, deeming that
superfluous, we began to sing a song of triumph (paean).
Strange to say, in this battle of four hours' duration, we were
struck by three cannon-balls only, & that without any one's being
hurt,. & with but little damage to our vessel. On board the vessel
we captured, one man had been wounded in his foot, another had
his head torn off, & the remaining ships, what losses had they not
sustained? On this and on the following day, we, marvelling at
The Journal of Kelpius. 23
divine Providence, worshipped & praised the name of God. But ". ^
marry, the vicissitudes of human affairs ! Again two vessels loomed
up, are they friends or foes? We vi^ere in a quandary. We also
recollected, that two French war-ships were still at large, & we
had heard our prisoners remark, that one of those carried 80 can-
non, & the other was an armored one. Hence we again prepared
ourselves for another encounter. They however, altered their May
(Page 12 ot 9^gf.)
course & thus, what seemed to be our ruin, came happily off, & we,
our fears being somewhat allayed, rested our weary limbs.
Occasionally, we were amused by the gambols of the monsters
of the deep, some having the form of calves, others that of horses,
and still others that of whales. Especially at night they presented
a fine spectacle, when vying, as it were, in speed with our vessel,
they seemed just as moving through a sea of fire, (Phosphores-
cence). But, lo! -/l. Late in the morning another ship hove in 12. ij.
sight, just as if sLx navigators had met, first three to two, then two
to three ( for we were sailing already with our booty) , lastly,
one being ofEered to our view. Concerning this last vessel, our
minds were uneasy but for short space, since no sooner had she
appeared, than she withdrew. The French vessels returning from
Martinique had thus far troubled us enough.
Sunday, bright sun-shine, under Lat. 39° 48', laying care aside, , <^ j^
we were cheered by a favorable east-wind; shortly before, it had
been from the north. Then with heavy sea-weed ( ?), we ploughed
the main. On the 15th, the wind veering to south, we slacked
our course, meanwhile the sailors looked with covetous eyes at our
French prey, grumbling at our captain, who kept appeasing his
hunger for sugar, & quenching his thirst for cider (with which
merchandise the ship was fraught), until he promised that all
-should be partakers, just as himself, of the unjust mammon, as
soon as the latter should have been made of private right from (by)
the lawful judges of these matters (pilfered from them).
»4-
24 The Pennsylvania-German Society.
PERIOD SIXTH.
May The fifth week of the warfare, the i6th day began under Lat.
i6. 17. 39° 21', the 17th, morn advanced, presented a ship returning from
8. 11 • Antego, though first preparing for battle with the same, yet we
+ spent the remainder of the day most amicably, & entrusted letters
for London with the same, determining (settling) also the contro-
versy (dispute) concerning our French booty, from which we had
18. 9 taken two cannon. On the i8th, east wind shortly before mid-
night winged our flight, but scarcely four sails were unfurled on
account of the lazy-tardy bulk of our French prey. We tarried,
therefore, for the latter, & on the 19th, tired of waiting, we bade
farewell to the " Providence," leaving her in charge of the booty,
& so we went (proceeded) before alone, leaving all the ships be-
20. o hind, that had set out with us from England. But on the 20th,
the wind being contrary and exceedingly strong, which hardly
21. ^ moderated on the 21st & 22nd. At this juncture, I recalled a
22. $ He Prophet, X who prophesied for me x while yet in London, that
was Feter Cherubim would be the companion of our way & our protectors in
danger, & that this would be a sign that we should accept of Divine
assistance, to wit, that although having left behind all other vessels,
yet we alone should precede with contrary wind, & should happily
23- draw (come) ashore in America, i. e. 23. The sixth week, looking
8 at our companions, you would say, they are snugly at Philadelphia,
~'~ they were borne in love. North-wind also seemed to favor, but, as
if heaven had decreed otherwise, a west-wind visited us with storms,
when already in Lat. 37°, we were approaching Virginia, which we
^*y sought. Therefore on the 25th, we were driven northward to Lat.
24. 39°, whilst the sailors were becoming apprehensive, for a huge
(^agj 14 0f fiJ^^O
4- 5 vessel seemed to sail by, (Flying Dutchman?). But on the 26th,
, ^ late in the morning, we came, very unexpectedly, up to seven ships...
These were returning from Virginia to England. To our great
dismay we learned from them, that we were as yet 250 leagues dis-
o tant from land most agreeably to our reckoning. We entrusted
The Journal of Kelphis. 25 f
unto them letters to London, & bade farewell & directed our course 29.
from Circins (?) to Notolybinn (?). Which line, also, we fol- 28. ^
lowed on the 27th, the blessed day of Pentecost (Whit-Sunday) & 29. S
on the 28th & 2gth. The seventh week was the most steadfast in 3°- 8 j
inconstancy, for now we were borne south, now north. But on the +
31st, the wind turned from Circins (?) to north, presently to 3'- %
Caecins, (north-east) then to east to Libanotus, and lastly, to south- \
west. June ist, just as yesterday, we experienced variable wind, June \
but yesterday it was clear, to-day, however, we had rain-storms ^- 9
(showers), & about eventide we were cherished (comforted) by a
huge parasite fish (Shirk), at the same time a strong north-east
wind steadily kept advancing us about two leagues per hour
throughout the entire night. The same north-east wind, though 2. \
less constant, favored us. During the morning hours, a dolphin of
medium size was caught in our (unmoved) anchor. He was yellow June
as gold, spotted with red.
(Page 15 of 9^^.)
(The dolphins must have been wedged between anchor & poop!)
(When (while) from the opposite, our parasite of yesterday, with June
huge bulk, & seven foot length tickled neither our eyes so much, nor
our taste yet the dolphin filled out both, though not confirming
credibility (stapability) the fable of the ancients concerning the love
of music, unless, perchance, you should say our English crew erred
in the name. 3. To-day an uninterrupted & brisk north-east wind
drove us directly away from a ship we should otherwise have met. 3.
WTiether the latter were friend or foe, we could not tell. Neverthe-
less they seemed to entertain some fear & sailed back, whence they
had come. 4. Under lat. 38° lo' we had favorable " north-east,
soon after changing to east, then to south-east under lat. 36° 53', 4. J
where with full sail, we outstripped the birds, so that on the follow-
ing 5th & 6th, on the completion of our seventh week, we augured,
we should see dry land ; nor should we have been deceived in our 5. ^...-
augury, had not the wind changed from south to south-west. ^" f
4. 7. & 8. &: 9. The same south-west wind continuing, we were 7. 8. 9.
driven north-east-ward, & disappointed in our hope of descrying
K^^
June
II. "|l
26 The Pennsylvania-German Society.
land 10. O But yet, on the 50th day after our departure from
,0 o England, we touched the bottom of the sea at only 38 threads
( fathoms ?38X6 = — 228 feet) .
But lo ! for four hours we were tossed about by a double storm
& wind until,
(^ast 16 of 9^^.)
at last, north-east wind, so often longed for, favored us, which,
nevertheless, on the nth, turned to north, so that, although al-
'''■ ^ most entering port, yet we could not accomplish this end. 12.
From afar we descried three vessels, & from about 85^ a.m. to 12
noon, we beheld a huge eclipse of the sun under lat. 36° 45'-
And lo! the eclipse over, we entered by a most blessed influence^
(considering externalities) the bay of Virginia (Chesapeake) to-
wards 8 p.m., casting anchor somewhat after midnight.
Ninth Week
i '3 Beginning with the new & ninth week, a good south-west blow-
\ lA ing, we traversed 40 leagues, until, leaving the coast of Virgmia
& sailing along that of Maryland, we went to the lord-protectors
IS- 16 royal deputies (procurators region) to inform them of the why &
wherefore of our coming to the new world. Having tasted of the
fruits, which grew in great abundance along the shore, we pur-
sued the remainder of our way.
The memorable excommunication of Falkner by Coster, ^ that
of Anna Maria Schuchart, the Prophetess of Erfurt (Erphorti-
anae) !
Tenth Week
In the tenth week.19. we all went ashore (disembarked),
(literally "kissed the ground (earth") 5- 22. Went to New
Castle; 23 © to Philadelphia, & finally 24. 1 to Germantown.
Then follow copies of the nine missives sent to persons
at home and abroad, viz. :
The Journal of Kelpiiis. 27
1. German letter to Henrich Joh. Deichman^ in London,
dated September 24, 1697 17-20
2. To the same May 12, by Jan. van Leveringh* 21-34
3. Postscript to above by Johann Selig^ 35-40
4. Missive to Mr. Steven Momfort^ in Long Island, De-
cember II, 1699, in America Concerning the Pietists
in Germany {English) 41-47
5. Letter to Rev. Tobias Erie Biorck,'^ Pastor of the Swed-
ish Lutheran Church at Christiana {Latin) 48-60
6. To Maria Elizabeth Gerber^ in Virginia, an answer to
her letter, in which she requests an expression of my
opinion concerning the Quakers {German) 61-83
-7. To Magister Fabritius,^ Prof. Theol. in Helmstad July
I, 1705 {German) , 84-88
8. To his " Hertzens " Brother Deichman, July 23, 1705
{German) 89-91
9. Of the Threefold Wilderness State viz. : ( i ) The Bar-
ren, (2) The Fruitfull & (3) the Wilderness of the
3 Henrich Johann Deichman, leader of the Philadelphiac Movement in
Europe.
*Jan. Van. Leveringh, a member of the Levering family who returned
to Europe. Cf. " German Pietists," p. 338.
5 Johann Gottfried Selig, one of the leaders of the Kelpius Community.
For biographical sketch cf. " German Pietists."
^Stephen Mumford (born 16391; died July, 1701) is accredited with
being the founder of the Seventh-day Baptist Church in America. Cf.
" German Pietists," pp. 136 et seq. Also " Seventh Day Baptists in Europe
and America," by Professor Corlies F. Randolph, Vol. II, Plainfield, N. J.
"^ Rev. Tobias Eric Biorck, pastor of the Swedish Lutheran Church at
Christiana (Wilmington, Del.).
8 Maria Elizabeth Gerber in Virginia. The identity of this person has
not been solved.
There are no records known that any Germans were in Virginia at that
early day, yet some of the early records in the Halle orphanage seem to
indicate their presence.
9 Magister Johannes Fabricius, professor in the University of Altdorf,
tutor of Johannes Kelpius.
28
The Pennsylvania-German Society.
Elect of God, anno May 25, 1706, To Hester Pal-
mer^" in Long Island in Flushing {English) 91-101
These letters, as will be seen, are somewhat rhapsodical,
and filled with obscure illusions to mystical subjects and
scriptural quotations. A vein of true piety, however, per-
vades every missive, the whole being an evidence of the
survival of superstition at that late day, strangely mingled
with the observed facts of science.
1° Hester Palmer in Flushing, Long Island. Identity not established.
Evidently a member of Steven Mumford's congregation.
Bookplate of the London Society for Propagating the Gospel in
Foreign Parts.
I.
LETTER TO HEINRICH JOHANN DEICHMAN,
LONDON, ENGLAND.
Copy of a Letter from Pennsylvania to London, to Mr.
Heinrich Johann Deichman.
February 24}^, 1697.
Faithful Fellow Champion Deichman!
.OUR esteemed favor received with joy, and there re-
sounds from " The Call to Wisdom," which you en-
closed, such an echo in our spirit, as though wisdom
herself had meant us. We behold the harmony of
divine discipline by virtue of a sympathetic agreement
of your centre with ours, and although the radiant roads
from and to the latter, cross each other in an endless manner, yet
with all this diversity, the aspect of the upper huts of our mother,
manifold wisdom, becomes more dear and joyous. Therefore we are
not angry because of your cross and opposition roads, just as you,
we hope, arenot angry with ours, because, indeed, from the stroke
of the cross, the bright colors of the sign of peace must be born,
just as Solomon from David. The radii of our cross are directed
at present from the centre exteriorly, when, however, the Lord is
willing to unite these outward-turned extremities of our cross in
their central point, He alone knows, and to Him alone this is pos-
sible. Hence it is not my intention to pen with ink of our color,
the letters Y. L. (Your Love), because your love is sealed in its
place. We only long for the revelation in and from out the heart
of the love of God, and the more anxiously we bear, the more
carefully the Lord hides us from the dragon, that watches so care-
fully for the birth, in order to devour it.
30 The Pennsylvania-German Society.
Fight thou with us, thou faithful soul, and lead all thy rela-
tives forth into the same battle, and sufiEer no strange trumpet of a
prince operating through fame in the air, to separate our united
phalanx under the banner of the Lion and the Lamb, (we must
long for in hopeful patience, as later on, the Father at times,
renders the waiting sweet).
The Lord once said: We love him rightly, for whom we can
wait a long time ; he, whom we love but little, from him we soon
depart. The Lord hath also waited long for us, ere we received
this desire, in which blissful, hoping waiting, I remain with cordial
embrace in the love of Jesus
thine eternally united
J. Kelpius.
P. S. Most worthy brother, the longer I write, the more
ardent my spirit becometh in the desire for the revelation of our
hope, because all pens or quills, or even bodily cohabitation, though
these modify the longing somewhat, do but little or naught for the
cause. How often am I in the spirit more exactly round about you,
than I am with those with whom I corporeally dwell in Kedar.
Therefore I kiss the Father's hand that hath led me into this
desert as into a chamber. For verily! had I remained in London
with Mecken and Clerk, we should have done harm never to be
told unto each other, as I now clearly see, as we love each other
cordially, and they were loth to let me go, hoping in spirit to con-
tinue the work vigorously. I went with joy into this desert, as
into a garden of roses, and I knew not at that time, that it was
the furnace of affliction in which the Lord was about to purify
and to prove me, and now I see it, since the heat hath somewhat
passed by, and I praise the Father, our Lord Jesus Christ, that
He willed such good unto me. But enough hereof! My best
regards to Mecken & Clerk, if they still survive, as I hope, and
grow with us in the same hope; it is but for a little while, as I
hope, and we shall speak unto each other differently, far differently
than heretofore, and then shall no man take our joy from us, for
the faithful and true witness will not suffer us to be constantly
in unrest.
The Journal of Kelptus.
31
I am in no wise displeased with them, that they were offended in
us and, m a measure, delivered us unto death. We have, indeed
often been brought near to the gates of death, and the coldness of
death, which David dreaded so much, is not vet past. Now where
our loss has been their salvation (as above indicated) how much
more will our life be their assumption (proslepsis), when the
l.ord shall awaken us from the dead. We certainly had had
sufficient cause, to be offended in them; if, however, this being were
to continue in growth, where would the accretion be, and the love
that IS founded upon forgiveness from the heart, and forgiveness
upon the knowledge of one's own faults, and this knowledge is
founded upon that great humility which we all lacked in spite of
our great knowledge. But the Lord knoweth how to humble
the proud, and how to bend that which in us is rigid by means of
His fatherly cross-blows with which our ways are interwoven To
Him be praise, honor, power and glory for ever, world without
end. Amen.
An Ancient Horoscope Cast by the Mystics on the Wissahickon.
II.
LETTER TO HEINRICH JOHANN DEICHMAN,
LONDON, ENGLAND.
To THE Same, May I2*^ 1699. through Jan von Lewenigh
(Delivered).
Faithful brother and fellow of the tribulation, of which, at this
time, all partake that hope in patient and longing waiting for
^ the glorious appearance of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
HEAR with special joy, how you show in your last let-
ter, happily delivered together with a package by Mr.
SchaefEer, your heart unto us as in a mirror, and how
you permit us to see in what manner you are being
purified in the furnace of the covenant, even so, that
you feel, that your experience was not the lot of the
children of God for many centuries. Just as I have made men-
tion in my first letter to you, of similar experiences of ours, but
especially of mine own, concerning such as the Lord from the
beginning to this hour uniteth more firmly; but, afterwards, for
upwards of a whole year, my experience is such, that the water
hath not only often encompassed my soul, as you say of yourself,
but I have even sunk in the deepest and bottomless slough of
despond. So you, too, at the beginning of that state, did compose
a lay of woe, sent to me through Falkner, so that I must con-
clude, that the entire body of Christ is now suffering on earth, nor
do I understand this to be an ordinary suffering, but rather such
as extendeth from Gethsemane to Golgotha; yea, what shall I say,
it hath not yet come to the , .branch! The worst, the thrust
of death, is still behind, when I shall atone before no common
one . . . on the cross, or Jebusite, as Herod, or mystic imagma-
32
The Journal of Kelp'ms. 33
tion and dreams (but I am not speaking) (will reveal the right
mystic way, which the world did hide) but of a real, where, essen-
tially, this is done once and for all time, and from out of which
a necessary transmutation as to body, soul and spirit resulteth. I
have, indeed, heard and read much of many that have died, risen,
ascended, yea, descended with a virgin body, and now filling there-
with their former body in such a manner, that the new covereth
the old, as hides or pelts cover the hut of Moses, etc., the worthi-
ness of which I do not impeach; yet sad experience hath hitherto
taught, that most men, after such advance, have not only not out-
stripped the others, but some have been made subservient to others,
and have, in part, become unlike themselves in a deterior altitude.
The words of Partus (Plato ?) are clear indeed, on which my
faith is founded, that none in this life is preferred before another,
much less, that one shall be the cause efficient of another's resur-
rection. Great speculations on this subject are of no avail, much
less availeth imagination, which latter, with those who had some
true relations, was at last regarded as such, or at least blended
therewith, though they consider themselves free from all mixture,
for they do it, though eventual acts may approve of speculation,
and it has been tried, bringing on many a great fall, of which I
could adduce sufficiently many examples, and indeed of such who
in their palmy days would not have yielded to any one in England
on account of their inspiration ; but the same are such as by these
events are compelled to hide themselves in their chambers, until
the wrath be completely past, before which they were unwilling,
at that time, to stoop, thinking themselves, as being perfectly
cleansed and purified, sufficiently strong, until that wrath be cast
upon the ground. And although such a fall, however great it is
(see Psalm 62, 2 Gen.) might not eternally cast them down,
that is, according to their inner spark of faith; as long as we,
that is, the simple and quiet, step most securely. He that believeth,
hasteneth not. He that hath said. He would come, will come as-
suredly, and without our running before; the wise virgins; will be
awakened, all at the same time, and they go forth and enter, all
34 The Pennsylvania-German Society.
at the same time, into the joy of their Lord, none of them runneth
before or precedeth another, and, therefore, we should not regard
the so called preference in the kingdom of God, because herein
there existeth no precedence and order, or emulation, as is the case
in academies and at courts of the world, but the greatest is as the
least, and Christ sayeth : " The first shall be last, and the last shall
be first." But if any one is of the opinion (I still call it an
opinion) although he that thinketh so, regardeth it as his own
opinion, that is, he or she, or he and she at the same time, the
masculine birth for the universal redemption of groaning crea-
tion, as well as those that have received the firstlings of the Spirit,
become God-bearing.
Now then, in the name of the Lord, let them step forth and
finish this work so long desired, to my bliss and joy, as well as to
that of all creation, and then we may call it in another opinion.
But, worthy brother, forgive me, if I continue as an unbelieving
Thomas to present to your mind the example of our dearest Saviour
Jesus and his precursor John, not to speak of others, as I only
represent a biga (two-horse-chariot) of eternal grace, because, at
present and heretofore, men have always been speaking of Z.^
However much these kept themselves hidden before their assump-
tion of office, however silent they were concerning their future, but
they kept themselves in all things in a virgin silence (whereof in
the Old Testament, the virgins always remain at home, and a going
out in disguise representeth something properly) until that hour
which was destined for them in the calendar of eternity, and then
she stepped forth not with pen and ink, but in strength and might,
which no foe could withstand, there you see how very much such a
biga of eternal grace, even for our times and longer yet (availeth?),
but this excessive boasting hereof in the streets of Babylon is some-
what suspicious to me. The cry: "See here!" "See there!" not
to speak of the idle personal applications. In a word, the affair
will come to pass quite differently than one or several men, yea,
even Jesus Christ himself imagines, and though we have revelation
2 Z = possibly an astrological character.
The Journal of Kelpitis. 35
hereof, this revelation oftentimes cannot comprehend the spirit of
the instrument, and often falls upon a false application of its per-
son, and, if this will not do, it must be called a figure; now, inas-
much as many have practiced carnal lust in faith, or, at least, have
brought about a spiritual mixture. How often, for pity's sake,
have these things happened, and still happen even in such through
whom it was hoped, salvation should burst forth; and we may
perhaps not be so much mistaken in the application, as were the
two disciples that journeyed to Emmaus, though we cannot demon-
strate it to them, for those unto whom we can re-monstrate it, so
that they may know it themselves even without remonstrations,
these also stand in just as great danger as the others, in whom it
appeared spiritually before God, but did not come to a bursting
forth. As then the mystery of the holy gospel (when children that
tie a string about a bird's foot and permit it o fly upward, and
the bird thinking its freedom attained, but the children may pull
it down to them at will) is fulfilled, wherein the spirit of evil
permits them to soar on high in knowledges and visions, caring
little about their freedom of ascension, if only he can make them
descend at will by means of the rope fastened to their feet and
incorporated with their earthly dwelling.
Dearest brother! Unto your opened wound, oil may be perhaps
more agreeable than salt and pungent wine? which oil you would
fain choose and expect of me, as, doubtless, you are bruised and
dejected in mind sufficiently, and, believe me, that I am loth to
swim in this element, as I would rather enjoy and gently glide
with my beloved on evening clouds, but I am loth to storm with the
north wind through the garden of God! But, my faithful heart,
when I consider the dangerous place where you are and in spirit
see, how some by bland gifts . . . seek to gouge out your eye and
to bind your hands, after having shorn you of your locks of liberty,
I would rather see you with Samson turning the mill-stone of ex-^
terior hard work (as we have done and at times still do, rather
than see you basking in the lap of your beloved spiritual Delilah.)
I dearly love F. L. and his associates, and their writings have
36 The Pennsylvania-German Society.
often strengthened me and raised me up, but I wish from my heart,
we may not see this sad drama more. So I also know, how those
dear souls Quedlinburg (whom I spiritually embrace and kiss)
founded upon the corner-stone of our salvation, have been so
powerfully edified, after having laid aside so many rudiments, and
I hope, they will also discard the remaining superfluities, and
hasten to the purpose; therefore, I deem myself too paltry and
miserable to teach them anything, because I am so fain to see, that,
being rid of all teachers and martinets, we might be taught, en-
lightened and inspired and directly united with the head, the only
high priest of our salvation, which, of course, cannot and will not
be accomplished without previous dearth, discipline, temptation,
cross (or whatever we may call it, as previously indicated by me),
nor without the final lunge of death, although thereafter nothing
shall take us captive and detain us; hence, we cannot but expect
the bursting forth of salvation from Jesus Christ, in, from and
through us all, because we all are but one body, and He, Jesus of
Nazareth, remaineth the glorified theanthrope, from whom the life
of the Father welleth and bursteth forth. Behold, dear brother,
this manifest and through His apostles manifested truth is not
unknown to you; inasmuch, however, as we see so many and
various pseudo-saviours in the theatre of these our revolutions, it
were not strange, if our countenances were somewhat turned away
from the only true one, and if we looked infatuated upon another
guest-brother's beauty, yea, angelic and cherub-like clearness, and
thus forsook our truest and most beautiful bridegroom amongst
all, and if we became faithless or even adulterous and would thus
contaminate our virgin garment or even lose it; we recognize, in-
deed, among all these forms, the proximity of salvation, but so,
that we may not embrace some folly because of too great ardour
and heat of desire, as some men and women in their too ardent
and passionate devotions have done, soaring perhaps too high, and
then being humiliated, they took heed, as then the danger is truly
and ineffably great, but not so great, as when we in spirit desert
our most true and loving Jesus for the sake of others (though
The Journal of Kelpius. 37
they were angels), and become mixed with them, as indicated
before, and you stand before this matter in greater danger on
account of various circumstances (as we, for the sake of neces-
sary assistance, sometimes do that which we otherwise do not
approve of, as we here).
But as our dear Mr. Schirmer, in Halle, is reported to have said
to Mr. Schaeffer: ' He would probably, find the devil in Pennsyl-
vania,' so we are not ignorant of that which he is thinking of, but
as Mr. Lange (of Hungary, if I err not) said to Falkner &
Koester : * Ye will also find the dear Lord Jesus in Pennsylvania ' ;
hence He standeth at our right hand as a hero and screeneth us
from all fiery onslaughts of Satan, and because His pure wisdom
hath upon her tongue both the sharp law and the gentle grace,
Prov. 3. 16, so we also are strengthened and comforted in all things
and through all things, as we have experienced in ourselves and in
others, where we, from a distance, impartially observe the deeds
or the stumblings of every one of your round-table-companies.
But enough hereof! If now, dear brother, you find some as-
suredness in your heart, to come to us, do not think, that my dear
Sohlige by his walking about, is aiming at you or your congress,
as I am certain, you will be drawn by quite a different principle
in coming hither, as our dear Schaefer, or others were, who from
hence ran back again, hoping to teach the world or even the saints.
For, how you will fare here, we already see in spirit, and I have
been thinking of this before, hoping the salt would be more agree-
able to you, than if I had placed before you mere peace. Compare
the signs of the times with each other (whereof you have made
mention in your letter) and you will easily, with Amos, be able to
make a resolution to hide yourself, which you, according to our
opinion can do no longer, inasmuch as matters have progressed
too far, and your faith hardly reaches so far, that you would be-
lieve, it woxild rain manna into your tent (though I cannot find
any thing in your letter to justify your giving up your present
engagement entirely).
We cordially received Schaefer and gave him the choice among
3
38 The Pennsylvania-German Society.
7 or 5 different places, among our acquaintances and friends,
where he might have enjoyed his bread in quietude; if he had only
tutored the child of the house, he might have, after so many
wanderings and ups and downs, been able to come to rest and
permit God to prepare his soul and fix his purpose. But his heart
always drew him to his nation: Swedes, Finlanders and Indians,
which 3 resemble each other very much, in order to do good among
them, as he thinks; and he went amongst them, and we parted
from each other in love, as we left the door open for him, to come
back to us, if he should not find among his nation that which he
thought he would. But when at last, his soul shall be brought
to rest, the Lord alone knows, for he himself is without method
to attain this end, on the contrary, he is desirous of converting
and strengthening others, though he himself confesses he has no
grounds, and thus many impede their own progress in various
manners, and cannot enter into their rest because of mere un-
belief, standing so firmly upon themselves. Now, who could think,
that our human way could be a wrong way, in so much as to be
unwilling to turn therefrom. God be merciful unto such and unto
us all!
Now, whatever you do, do it in faith, that the Lord will pro-
vide, and doubt thou not. Neither be thou afeard of the lions,
nor of the bears, nor of serpents, nor any animal, but step upon
their necks in the power of God, believing that they can harm no
one but him that is afeard of them. Now, if you find the means
to come hither, do not wait for Fox, but come in thy strength
and faith which the Lord will give you, lest Alva, that is, the talk
of an infidel move you and untoward thoughts seduce you. I seek
not to persuade you, and for all the world I would not have your
faith founded on me, nor on anyone but upon God alone.
Do not make too much of this enterprise, as though you would
hereby evade Babylon and all temptations, nor yet too little, as
though this place were not more comfortable for your circum-
stances, to hide you in your exile, than London is and safety lies
in a middle course, that is, in child-like simplicity. If this comes
to pass, we shall, no doubt, receive more ample information con-
The Journal of Kelphis. 39
cerning many things, than we have received hitherto, especially
concerning Catharina B. v. B., whereof we knew not a word, and
how greatly we mourn this, is ineffable, so much so, that our heart
would break ; I would rather have imagined, the sun would be illu-
mined by the moon, than that this would-be (as Maxan called
him after his death, in consequence of which, he was imprisoned
for a whole year and robbed of the presence of God, because he
intrusted this one with several secrets, and as he related to Hatten-
bach, as is known) and black magician could darken and blacken
this luminous sun ( i. e. Catharina) . And he may prefer cutting a
figure, inasmuch as his second marriage, or whoredom, is suffi-
cient proof and shows what he was hankering after, namely, lust
of the flesh, which he could not satisfy in this pious soul, and what
Seelig writes hereof, will, no doubt, become true. But she may be
a figure before the judgment of God, how they began at the house
of God, and how God in her, being the purest and best soul I have
ever known, how they did begin to lay low in the dust all that
which is sublime in the eyes of men. And it may possibly be, that
she, on account of her rare gifts and special virtues (as then Jesus
Christ, himself but a child, did distinguish her, though in outward
splendor and knowledge of many things she had advanced consider-
ably, whereof no one should boast, but rather fear). She was idol-
ized by many and may have delighted therein, wherefore the Lord
did abash her and caused her to be clothed in sack-cloth or goat
skin, that she might forget her excessive wanderings, and hide her-
self from the knowledge of men. Then many a great saint will in
secret rejoice, thinking himself to become great through her fall,
and to make himself esteemed by judging and condemning her,
just as he seeth and toucheth her exterior, rough sack in which the
Lord hideth her, so he manifesteth hereby his internal, thorny and
black nature which erstwhile had remained hidden under a radiant
sheep skin. Who knows how shortly others may be abashed, who
think not only to be standing alone, but also to become foundation-
pillars to support the entire superstructure, yea to be such pillars
already.
O blessed lowliness! How many fickle spirits flit above thee,
40 The Pennsylvania-German Society.
whilst Jesus was so lowly and, in all things, like unto His brethren,
yea, even more lowly than they; and I should like to know, how
Dr. Schmidberg and others welcomed her, when she returned.
The poor child, no doubt must have been compelled to run the
gauntlet and to sing from the Song of Songs: Look not upon me
because I am black, because the sun hath looked upon me: my
mother's children were angry with me; they made me the keeper
of the vineyards; but mine own vineyard have I not kept. It may
have been a special providence, that I did not receive her letter
at that time, for all things must arrive at their appointed time.
Still, I should like to know what therein was. But if it had for its
author . . . , I can easily imagine what it contained. Write thou
to her, prithee, with my cordial greetings, and though I should like
to chat with her for an hour, to bring to her heart several things,
what the Lord hath done by us both, yet I would not allure her
forth from her rest and quietude. I doubt not but the Lord will
bless her in time, in that He hath through her blessed so many;
and because she, too, is as His sheep in His hand, so neither that
. . . nor any other man will be able to snatch her from out His
hand. Amen.
What we as brethren have written, you may communicate at the
same time (because the one explaineth the other) without fear and
reserve. For although I have touched upon several particulars and
have written rather frankly (but Seelig has remained in general
topics) I have no doubt but that all honest and upright disciples in
Christ according to His doctrine, will readily assimilate the salt,
though it disgusteth those who wantonly would remain effeminate
weaklings. But do not omit corresponding very frequently with
us, because herein I perceive the special hand of God, therefore I
have also procured for you a good address, as you may see from
what I have enclosed, the which you are to hand to W. S. Send
us the acts with diligence, in that our friends crave for them and,
if possible, something of Portage, who is entirely unknown to us.
We had written about one or two pages ; now if these be addressed
to H. B. in care of this merchant W. S., they will reach their
destiny in security.
The Journal of Kelphis.
41
Now, if ever you come to us, all things shall be made good.
Please to give my kindest regards to Mecken and inform him of
the fact, that I am not at all afeard of his letter, inasmuch as I
have become so hardened in this desert, that I can possibly endure
corporeal punishment, though undeserved. May the Lord alone
strengthen us through an extraordinary power (for such is ours in
these days) that we may reward the word of His patience, until
that He come. Yes, come. Lord Jesus. Amen. Hallelujah.
Yours, J. K.
Symbol of the Mystical Ephrata Community on the Cocalico,
Lancaster County, Penna,
III.
LETTER FROM JOHANN SELIG
TO H. J. DEICHMAN, LONDON, ENGLAND.
Copy of the Letter which Johann Seelig to the Same
WITH This Did Send.
Dearly beloved Brother in the Lord: —
,OUR letter has partly comforted, partly grieved, and
yet again encouraged us, in that the Lord in one and
the same spirit (unto as many of us as stand in one
spirit of the pure knowledge of His wondrous judg-
ments) hath given us to perceive, whither such ap-
parent calamities at this time are aimed and directed,
the which is lost sight of by magicians, but is brought home unto
them assuredly in divine power from the simple ground of faith-
magic, to the consternation of the whole world, for whereby that
adept in the black art though he could soar aloft and crush his op-
ponent, even thereby he may be brought down, whilst his opponent
riseth in divine power. Behold, how the principal person is already
acting in the final destruction of the world through his false — morn-
ing star or harbinger ! Through this their confusion, there is insti-
tuted from the simple and childlike ground of faith, the true love-
feast or supper of the marriage of the Lamb (thus Apocalypse 19
should have been rendered in our German Bible). As no mention is
made of this supper by the church and the reformation Baals up to
-this time, as a witness against them, that they do npt belong to the
blessed that are called thereunto, until after holding such a love-
feast, the King himself in person appeareth, and the afore-men-
tioned person who will then also appear, and bear in his flesh the
42
The Journal of Kelpius. 43
centre of the magic ground of the dark world, bringing it to a
close.
My dear little brother, we, indeed, had many things to speak of
and to write of, but how is it possible, that the above imperishable
soul-spark wedded unto the light of its sophic bride, should be able
to manifest itself properly through these awkward, unpropor-
tioned organs of our present miserable body, wherein the same lies
captive besides? Nothing is pleasing to the sight of this spark,
not even the most beautiful colors of our aurora, because such are
not the fixed body, though veritable signs of the same. Therefore,
we especially labor and cry with our beloved to God our Father,
Psalm 63 : O God, thou art my God ; early will I seek thee : my
soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and
thirsty land, where no water is. And how often doth my flesh
yearn thus! The flesh of Christ in us longeth to come out of the
pathless desert and dry flesh of this body to the upper hut of the
body that is not fashioned with hands from the waters above. Yet
the beloved desireth, in no other manner than through divine
birth-right, to sit in the spoiled lap of his bride, passing from
such dryness and pathless desert and saying, that I may be seen
thus in thy holy doing.
Therefore, let us be unanimous, nor let us tear off the swaddling-
clothes of the discipline of our Father, as naughty children do, that
afterward were bound with ropes; but nowadays many children
are neither swathed nor bound, therefore filling the vessel too
heavily, and, in turn, it is meted out unto them heavily. O blessed
bond wherewith Paul was bound, when he writeth of himself: " I
in spirit bound ! " considering that some are unwilling to see the
mystery of this binding in spirit, or unwilling to resign themselves
thereunto. Hence there ariseth: I. a restless running about from
place to place without use and fruit of edification, either of one's
self or of another; 2. a life according to one's own advice, caring
little for that which one's neighbor giveth in love and faith, but
... Of God and His Spirit; 3. all manner of fickle imagination
concerning one's self and one's deeds to which we were called in
44 The Pennsylvania-German Society.
the world or in the church, as one imagines ; 4. spiritual luxuriance
or lewdness according to the word of the prophet, Old Testament,
consisting in a constant desire of devotion in our own circle and
also in behalf of others, breaking thereby the faith-link of Peter,
namely: abstinence 2 Feb. 45, 6, especially at this time, when the
impure, astral Venus desires to run constantly parallel to and act
equally with our true philadelphian spirits of love, which are the
essential body of heavenly wisdom, against which there is no better
remedy than the drawing rope and that which the Lord, through
the raisin, so truly testifieth at the last: Put on a rough coat and
hide thyself, so that no one may know thee. That which is written
in confirmation of this, Ep. 34 and Psalm XLXX, is of impor-
tance; 5. there ariseth a foolish nuisance, in that we cannot accom-
modate ourselves to the varying forms of Saul, where the Lord put
on his cloth in distinct manners, but we think an impure spirit is
making his abode therein. Now, as that one doth not fly into a
passion, but understandeth well, why the Lord hath, for a time,
hidden them, not only from men, but also from one another. (Yea,
also from one's self in kind, as David prayeth therefor, 2. Sam. 22.
LXX. Lord redeem or save from myself: (these words, I have
added) ; 6. such unbridled liberty easily leadeth into a barren . . .
temptation; as such an one often thinketh himself in the midst of
hell, and almost immediately thereafter he declares he is in heaven,
by which declaration, the ignorant are dazzled, as being beyond the
true bounds of the process of Christ (in which something may
come to pass which has a similarity, just as the astral Venus with
the sophistic, which is but an astral motion, whereby the sensate
elementary part, which lies below, just as the earth beneath the
stars, is thus affected). In this connection men have indulged in
another folly arising in them from ignorance, in that they con-
stantly look at the accidents that may strike their exterior part, and
are blind to the danger therein, especially at this time, soul . . .
may. For then they consider themselves well secured and to have'
done almost everything, if they are exact in matters of external
clothing, eating and drinking, in business and in their form of
outward devotion, and hence they enjoy quietude, but they are
The Journal of Kelpiiis. '45
unwilling to comprehend aught of the firmament of the astral
principle, where the need is greatest, nor will they suffer being
told that such disturbs their devotion; 7. there finally ariseth the
great evil, namely, the aforementioned abode of Satan, wherein we
are confirmed in error and work disgrace upon disgrace. May our
faithful God and Father of our Saviour grant that none of His be
brought so low, but may He deliver them from the tribulation in
the 7^*^, that they may not be united with the evil one.
My dear little brother, pardon my prolixity, I am not seeking to
instruct thee, perhaps thou'rt more learned and stronger than I
am. I am only trying to roll a part of my burden upon thy
shoulders, hoping thou wilt help me bear it. What shall I say,
when I think of the merciful, dear heart of God our Father who
hath, for these many years in this desert, preserved several of us,
especially me and dear brother Kelpius, from the arrows of destruc-
tion. What shall I say, when I think of the powerful eagle wings,
upon which His providence hath lifted us poor worms, and borne
us and conducted us wonderfully. My heart is melting away in
tears and will not suffer me to pursue the thought, nor can this be,
for it still lieth in mysterious wisdom, as a child in the womb
hidden, and, in season due, its joy shall be made manifest.
My bodily health is rather poor; do not be too obscure in your
letter, but open your heart unto us, as well as you may and just
as the Lord permitteth, especially in regard to C. Reecken and
others.
The religions here are in constant opposition, nor is this at all
surprising, for they are the Jordan, of whose roaring waves and
cataracts David in his exile in the desert. Psalm 42, singeth, which
will endure until that Joshua and Elijah come and divide the river
which is rightly called Jordan, that is, a division and ejection of
judgment into victory, whence another Jordan will arise, that is,
the doctrine of the judgment, which will flow in loveliness, for in
the significance, as a figure of the cross of wisdom, is contained in
the near Jordan. Greetings, etc., etc.
P. S. to my letter. On perusing this letter, I was amazed at
myself, regarding with wonderment: i. the long, 2. the prickly, 3.
46 The Pennsylvania-German Society.
the rough sack in which I was clad while writing, having resolved
to write something totally diiferent, but my spirit was broken,
and my heart directed elsewhither, and my mind was led in bonds,
whither it would not ; I was fain to retain- the letter, were I not as
yet bound. I, therefore, resign the matter wholly to the merciful
Father of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who knoweth why this had
to be thus, though I, for the most part, know not, yet recognize this
fact, especially as to persons, thinking of so many personalities.
My heart would fain melt away in tears of blood, both when
I consider the tribulations to come, and also for gratitude and joy,
when I think of the salvation, how His fatherly hand hath already
saved us from so many snares of the hunter, and poured His bless-
ings upon us. This again awakens the slumbering hopes, so that I
commend all things unto the Lord with a believing heart, for He
will do all things well.
Farewell.
Seal of the Sisterhood of Saron on the Cocalico (from Ancient
Ephrata Document).
IV.
LETTER TO STEVEN MOMFORT IN RHODE
ISLAND.
To Mr. Steven Momfort in Long Island^ in America.
1699, II. December.
Dear Friend and Brother:
N fellow-fighting in that Free and Royal Spirit which
strives for the Prize of the first Resurrection when in
this Midnight the Cry of the Bridegroom's coming
is sounded forth among the Virgin waiters for the
Preparation of the Temple Body, wherein the King of
Glory and Father of the coming Eternity is to enter.
Your great desire for to be a little further informed of the Principles
and Practizes of those People that go under the Name of Pietists,
what they hold as Doctrin differing from others, what their Disci-
pline is and what Methods they use in their own Country ; this desire
I will hope, doth not arise from the Root of that Athenian Curiosity
to hear some new thing; But rather you being one among thousands
in Juda, who sees how since that glorious Primitive Church of Christ
Jesus the Apostacy hath run in a continual current till this very
day, and though this Stream hath divided itself in many smaller
Rivulets, under several Names of more reformed Purity, yet you
are not ignorant how they derive their Emanation from one Spring
and tend to the same end. Viz. that the Woman in the Wilderness
might be carried away by the Flood. Therefore you, as a Remnant
of her seed, long for to see your Mother and groan for the Manifes-
tation of her children. No wonder then, if your continual Gazing
upon this Supercaelestial Orb and Sphier from whence with her
1 Should be Rhode Island.
47
48 The Pennsylvania-German Society.
Children, causeth you to observe every new Phoenomena, Meteors,
Stars and various Colours of the Skei, if peradventure you may be-
hold at last an Harbinger as an Evidence of that great Jubelee or
Restitation of all things and glorious Sabbathismos or the continual
days of Rest without intervening or succeeding Nights, whereof
God hath spoken by the mouth of all his Prophets since the world
began (Acts 3, 21) arid whereof both the Testaments prophesie in
every Title and Iota. If now this late Revolution in Europe (not
to speak of that in other parts) which in the Roman Church goes
under the Name of Quietism, in the Protestant Church under the
Name of Pietism, Chiliasm, and Philadelphianism, If I say this
together or one in Special purtends any thing to this effect. I do
not question, but it will be your as well as my desire, who would
re Joyce not only to give you full satisfaction as to this, but to see
with you, yet in our days, that happy day, which when its new
Earth swallows all that forementioned Floud and where its glorious
Sun causeth all other Stars and Phoenomena to disappear, no Night
succeeds it, but that the Night is swallowed up in ye Day, Dark-
ness into Light, Death into Life, Judgment into Victory, Justice
into Mercy, all imperfect Metals into Gold, and Gold itself is
refined seven times, and all Churches and Virgins comprised into
the one Dove (Cant. 6, 9), then all the Sons of God will shout
for joy as they did in the Beginning, when God was all in all, as he
will be all in all, when again the End hath found its Beginning.
Amen ! Halleluiah !
Dear and worthy friend, though unknown to the Flesh but
knovv'n in that better, yea in the best Line and highest descent in
the Life of our Immanuel, whose day we rejoyce to hear of and
more to see, as well within us as without us, in its Depth, Hight,
Breadth and Length, through the whole palsed and groaning Cre-
ation, as well as in our Mother Jerusalem above and Beneath!
How can I write the particulars of the Quietists, Chiliasts or
Philadelphians, whose Fame is spread in all the 4 quarters of the
now Christianity. They first sprang in Italy, in Rome itself (and
are increased now through the whole Roman Church in many
The Journal of Kelpius. 49
Millions, though they was and are still depressed) 15 or 20 years
before the Pietists or Chiliasts in Germany and Switzerland (where
the first Reformation) in the year '89 and '90, with a swift increase
through the whole Nation, so that their Branches also did break
forth into other Nations, as in England under the name of Phila-
delphians. This Penn is too dull to express the extraordinary
Power the Pietists and Chiliasts among the Protestants in Germany
(and especially in Saxony) and Switzerland was endued with in
their Infancy. This only I say, as one who hath read the Histories,
that since the days of the Apostels, such Miraculous Powers and
operations have not been manifested as in a matter of 3^ years
among these. And like as the Miracles wrought by God through
the Hand of Moyses was for the main part in the outward Crea-
tion or Macrocosm, the Miracles of Jesus the Messia on the Bodys
of Man or Microcosm, so these in our days was wrought (much
like unto them in the days of the Apostles) on the Soul and more
interiour parts by Ectases, Revelations, Inspirations, Illuminations,
Inspeakings, Prophesies, Apparitions, Changings of Minds, Trans-
figurations, Translations of their Bodys, wonderful Fastings for 1 1,
14, 27, 37 days, Paradysical Representations by Voices, Melodies,
and Sensations to the very perceptibility of the Spectators who was
about such persons, whose condition as to the inward condition of
their Souls, as well as their outward Transactions, yea their very
thoughts they could tell during the time of their Exstacies, though
they had never seen nor heard of the Persons before.
These and many other Gifts continued as is said, for a matter of
three years and a half among all sorts of Persons, Noble, and
ignoble. Learned and unlearned, Male and female, young and old,
very conspiciously and generally Protestants chiefly, and some Pa-
pists, and with some though more refined such and like Gifts last
till this very day.
Thus partly I have declared how they was baptized with such
energical drops out of that supercaelestial Pillar of Cloud by Gifts
and miraculous Manifestations of the Powers from on high.
Now will I tell in short in what a craggy, uneven yea dark
50 The Pennsyhania-German Society.
wilderness they have been led since, when hitherto they have been
baptized with the fiery Pillar of many inward and outward Tribu-
lations, Sorrows, Temptations, Refinings, Purifications (but never-
theless this Fiere casts such a Light befor'm that securs'm from
the persuing Might and dark influence of Egypt and guides'm in
that beloved land and City.) This must be through many Tribu-
lations as the Apostels have witnessed, so they felt it and feel it still
very smartly. For when these things begun to ferment every where,
I. The Students in the Universities forsake their former way of
Learning and applied themselves wholly to Piety and Godliness,
(from whence their name was derived) leaving and some burning
their heathenish Logiks, Rhetoriks, Metaphysiks. 2. The Laymen
or Auditors begun to find fault with the Sermons and Lifes of
their Ministers, seeing there was nothing of Ye Power of the Holy
Ghost, nor of the Life of Christ and his Apostels. 3. The children
under the Information and Tuition of Pietists, (for the Students
applied themselves chiefly to the Education of Children, as they
do till this day with great, yea extraordinary success) begun to
reproof their Parents if they was working an Lye or unrighteous-
ness ! yea some in their tender years came to witness strange things
of the Invisible worlds. Till at last Demetrius with his Craftsmen
begun to see and hear that not only in Lipzig, (from which Uni-
versity this Motion first begun to spread abroad) but almost
throughout all Germany and adjacent Contrys these Pietists did
persuade and turn away much People, saying that the Form of
Godliness without the Power thereof is meer Idolatry and super-
stition; Yea they saw, how that not only this their craft was en-
dangered by these and set at nought, but also the Temple or Uni-
versities of the great Goddess Dianoria or Reason and Ratiocina-
tion (which is quite different from that Dionoria or Understand-
ing or Unction whereof John witnesses ijoh. 5. 19. c. 2, 27.)
should be despised and her Magnificence (thus the Rectors in the
Universities are titled) should be destroyed, if in the place of
Dianoria, the Sophia from on high should be adored and instead of
The Journal of Kelpius. 51
Temples or Universities, the Hearts of men should be consecrated.
(Excuse me, dear Heart, that I thus run into an Ailegoricall
Application, for the very same Comedy was played as you read in
the Acts of the Apostels, only the time and persons changed.)
Thus the Battel and Insurrection begun, which lasteth till this day.
The Anti-Pietists (so their Adversaries are pleased to call them-
selves) betook themselves to the secular Arm. But several Princes
being partly inclined to the Principles of the Pietists, partly con-
vinced of a superior Agent in these things, took them in their Pro-
tection, especially the Elector of Brandeb. In the Principality of
Brunswick and Lunebourg, the course was otherwise, for in the
very beginning 3 Bishops or Supirts was removed their offices; the
same happened in other Countries and Cities, as Erford, Lipzik,
Quedlinbourg, Halberstad, Hambourg, Hassen Cassel, where and
in Switzerland lately several Ministers are removed and some ban-
ished the Country. Thus they increased under the Cross. As for
any peculiar Badge or Mark, they have none being above these
trifling affections) or any peculiar Church Ceremony or Discipline
which should cause a Shism or branch a new sect. For they are not
ignorant of the wilderness wherein the Church is and hath been
hitherto, and in what a glory she will appear when she comes up
from the Wilderness leaning on her beloved. Cant. 8. 5. They
see well enough how all the Reformations and Revolutions in this
last Age as well as theirs are but Apparitions of the fair colours of
the Aurora or Break of the day, mixed with many uncleanness
Vv^herein there is no stay (as my beloved Brother and faithful Fel-
low-Pilgrim in this Wilderness state Seelig hath written) for they
are not the substance or sun itself though the various beautiful
Apparitions of the Skie, should entice one allmost enamoured in
them, and to mistake the Harbinger for the King! whom to meet
they prepare themselves earnestly, some of 'm laying aside all other
-engagements whatever, trimming their Lamps and adorning them-
selves with white silky Holiness and golden Righteousness, that they
may be found worthy, when the Bridegroom comes, to receive him
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with confidence and joy and to bring him in the House of their
Mother, where He will drink with'm that new spicy wine of the
Kingdom in all everlasting Progresses. That we also may prepare
ourselves with our whole endeavours continually I wish heartily,
who do recommend you in the Clifts of the FoundatlonRock of
our Salvation, Jesus Christ. Remaining your fellow Traveller In
this blessed work and best engagement.
Johannes Kelpius.
Dated in the Wilderness.
Ancient Astrological Chart, as Cast by the Early Mystics on ThB ""
WiSSAHICKON.
THE PENNSYLVANIA-GERMAN SOCIETY.
ERICUS TOBIAS BIORCK.
PASTOR OF THE SWEDISH LUTHERAN CHURCH AT CHRISTIANA (WILMINGTON, DEL.).
PHOTOGRAPH FROM ORIGINAL CANVAS IN SWEDEN.
V.
LETTER TO REV. ERIC BIORCK, CHRISTIANA
(WILMINGTON), DELAWARE.
{Translation)
To Rev. Magister Eric Biorck,
Pastor at Christianna.
Immanuel.
May Jehovah remember thee, that thou mayest see the good
things of his elect ; may he remember thee for the sake of his favor
toward his people, that thou mayest rejoice in the joy of his nation.
May he visit in his salvation, that thou mayest glory in his in-
heritance. Amen !
Psalm cvi. 45.
Very reverend Sir and Friend, Master and friend in Jesus our
Saviour, ever to be regarded by me with fraternal love ;
In your beloved letter, written on January 10, and received on
January 17, through Mr. Jonas B , I got a twofold proof of
your fraternal love, the epistle and the money. Would to God I
were truly such as you have outlined, or such as you have judged
me with my most beloved Rudman. By day and by night I attend,
indeed, that I may cleanse myself from every blemish both of body
and of soul, and I perform my rites in the fear of the Lord, and
thatJ may obtain, by grace alone that which is my pattern by
nature, through sincere imitation of him ; to wit, the adoption as a
son, the redemption of our body (Rom. viii, 23. Compare i John
iii, 1-2; Phil, iii, 11-15; Gal. iv, 5; Apoc. xix, 8; 2 Tim. iv, 8)
How many parasangs as yet I may be distant from the scope (aim)
prefixed for myself, becometh known to the fellow-soldiers (Asso-
4 53
54 The Pennsylvania-German Society.
i*M^ >*^^ fl^/^N.** «r//^ <>^ p^ h*> t^ri^ ^ U.1 *ii^ 4-iu9
Facsimile of Kelpius' Letter to Rev. Ericus Biork.
4r
The Journal of Kelphis. 55
dates) of those cricified and buried with (In) Christ (Gal. ii, 20,)
and whom God, rich in mercy through Christ, kept secret (in si-
lence) and awakened and placed in the heavenly (places) in Christ
Jesus (Eph. i, 20). Better than myself no one knows (my short-
comings) save alone the searcher of hearts and minds; for that
which our beloved Rudman bore witness concerning me, is to be
attributed rather to himself (Rudman) and to divine charity, where-
withal his heart was affected ; these things also, Paul being a wit-
ness (i Cor., xiii). He endureth all, believeth all, hopeth all,
sustaineth all.
naught of evil does he think, nor is he irritable, but he rejoiceth in
verity. Sometimes I am fully convinced, that you, in no wise
spoke for form's sake, as it were, neither your sayings nor your
doings, but that with a sincere heart and with pure affections, as
becomes a true professor of true Christianity, you did unfold the
sentiments of your mind; thus in turn I would you believed that
your mirror reflected the image of him looking therein, i. e. of
yourself; only, had you not enough to do to be conformed to
Christ, our head, in point of a sincere heart and energies (virtues),
never could you notice or admire such in others, though you had
tried it. For who knoweth the business of a man, if not the spirit
of the man, the which is in him: but none among us knoweth the
affairs of God, if not God's spirit. And ye who act in the spirit
of God, the same He acknowledges, and He would have wished
that, also, in others endowed with the same spirit. But the gross,
earthly man, & another divine (theologian) does not under-
stand (grasp) the things which are of the divine spirit, since in-
deed these be to him folly, and thus (therefore) he cannot know
(understand) those things, inasmuch as (because) they be worthy
of being examined (judged) spiritually, i Cor. 2, 14. That is,
amiable man, from whom I have received singular (extraordinary)
joy, that you, namely, although being (notwithstanding your be-
ing) busy in the hall according to the manner of your duty
(office), & according to the custom of the Levites, encompassed
round about with animals (sportive?), & scrutinizing, instructing
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and sacrificing these into the sanctuary & yet looking into their
interior or souls, should finally worship in spirit & in truth. Of
which threefold cult of a minister, & of the order of the same,
grades, duties, &c. I should have many & knotty points, which
I might discourse of, if I should not think it superfluous to begin
an enumeration thereof in the presence of a learned man : nor with
another end do I allude (treat of) to these, than that our relation-
ship in Christ, & our life in the body, of which you have made
mention, may take (assume) a greater increase. Nor is it that,
holding fast, he may throw into (infuse) this sacred institution a
more righteous (way), & sin surrounding us (Hebr. 12, i) & the
concerns of life (2. Tim. 2, 9), as far as to these things it be ex-
pedient, against that we do set watch (a lying out on guard).
Verily I confess with you that the necessaries of this life (as they
are called) or the things pertaining to life heap up great barriers
for (against) the Christian soldier, with the witness Wisdom
(chap. IX. 15.) the mortal body weigheth down the spirit &
crusheth the understanding, an earthly vessel full of many cares.
Nor would you incongruously term these ' strange pursuits,' to
wit, we are living on strange (foreign) soil, exiles from Para-
dise, travellers in this world, nowhere secure, exclaiming with
David : Woe is me ! who am wandering so long, dwelling with the
Cedariani (that I sojourn in Meshech, That I dwell among the
tents of Kedar!) i. e. in darkened tents (tabernacles). Psalm 120, 5.
The Cedariani, indeed, were the children of Ishmael, not going to
inherit with Isaac, the son of Sarah. From which cause we desire
this dark tabernacle of our earthly house to be dissolved, in order
that we may obtain an edifice, bright & glorious. But indeed,
although Abraham may have interceded for Ishmael even and may
have been heard (granted) by the Lord; we also groan, burthened,
unwilling to be freed (unclothed), but clothed over & above, that
1 N. B. The Septuagint in their times read ^^")|P = mizzorim = strange,
with 1 (resh = the letter R). In the exemplar (copy) of to-day it is
read with T {daleth = the letter D), Psalm 19, 14. ^^'P =z mizzedim =
from the proud.
The Journal of Kelpnis. 57
our mortality may be absorbed in life. 2. Cor. V. i. Cor. 15, 51.
& N. B. Job. XI. 26. But of this hidden mystery of the resur-
rection of the Just, (I will say) not more just now.
But you grieve, most loving little heart, that time must be
expended upon the necessaries of this life? I grieve with you!
But does it seem to you that you have hope in a strait, (does it
seem to you) from this cause that we can perfectly serve God in
this life? There is also to me (hope) ! I despair not so much of
the victory (how very distant although as yet I may be (there-
from)) induced (as I am) chiefly by the following arguments
amongst others: I. Paul saith: i. Cor. 10, 31. Whether ye eat, or
drink, do all to the glory of God, & Col. 3, 17. Whatsoever ye
do both in words & deed, that shall ye do in the name of Jesus,
the Lord, & giving thanks to God the Father through him, com-
pare Eph. 5, 20. I. Thess. 5, 18. But of the things pertaining
to life they do eat for the most part to eat, to drink, words &
works. All these things can & ought be made subservient to the
glory of God, as saith Paul, therefore the worship of God doth not
present (supply) any hindrance, but an incentive & aid. What-
soever, he saith, pertaineth to the worship of God unto (by) man,
ought to be perfect. Scarcely was it lawful in the old Testament,
when seeking many things for sacrifices, to make use of an emblem,
because it was not in every way perfect. Hence therefore as if the
field of victory (were) in these very particulars appertaining to life,
it seems to me to be made manifest (open), if in truth (no
wonder) I shall have taken heed thereunto, that (I shall be) free
from the cares of the gentiles. Matt. 6. end, content with my food
& raiment (covering), see Tim. 6, 8, from the desire of becoming
rich & from avarice manifestly averse, ibid., v. 9, 10. (entirely)
not entangled (hampered) by the affairs (concerns, duties) of life,
2. Tim. 2, 4. I say, if not held captive by all these very things,
but I shall have been found master of the same, i. Cor. 6, 12. Be-.
cause he is a slave of these things, he cannot serve God, more-
over we cannot serve two masters, but in how far he shall have
returned into servitude, & be master over them, in so far does he
58 The Pennsyhania-German Society.
render to God a perfect service in these things (hence appear the
degrees of perfection) nevertheless dominion cons'steth not in pos-
sessing nothing (for vi^hat sort of king is he without subjects) but
in the mind from the things possessed, not in a possessed (mind)
[whereof the sure signs are thus a) in acquired things he
rejoiceth not, /?) concerning the lost, he is not worried, y)
concerning those which are to come & not yet acquired, he is
affected by no disquiet] That however the saints of old have
exhibited a perfect cult unto God, & that it is possible now-a-days
to exhibit such to God, that is, by not serving secular (worldly)
affairs, but by ruling over them, & that an holocaust perfect out of
these things can be offered, I am convinced.
IL The Virtue & Efficacy of a lively Faith: Christ saith unto
us, Mark 9, 23. All things are possible to him that believeth.
Luke confirms 17, 6. why not therefore also rule over fleeting
things? Why not also in these very matters exhibit to God a
perfect service? Is the prince of this world more valiant & more
powerful (potent) than Christ our Saviour & Preserver? (Has)
not Paul of long-standing experience in these matters . . . having
been taught thoroughly, he exclaims: I can perform all things
through him that strengtheneth me (or, strengtheneth me by an
inner, vital, substantial, radical force). By (with) Christ, Phil,
4, 13. as though he would say: even as without Christ I can do
nothing, John 15. 5. so with Christ I can do every thing, who
with express words promised: whatsoever ye shall have asked in
prayer, believing, ye shall obtain, Matt. 21. 22. & that without any
exception. It is not, therefore, that I shew my inability any
further (more amply), since as hath been shewn, through Christ
we may get all power, according to that well-known passage of
John I, 12. Whosoever, NB. whosoever indeed have received
him, to those he hath given that power, to become sons of God:
therefore, if (we be) sons & coheirs of all things that Christ hath,
even as he himself testified! : He that believeth on me, the same
hath all things with me, or he shall even do greater things than
these, John 14, 12. (the works that I do, shall he do also; &
The Journal of Kelpiiis. 59
greater works than these shall he do.) And he who shall have
conquered (towards the possibility of conquering!) to him shall I
give to sit with me on my throne, as I also have sat down a victor
with my Father on his throne, Apoc, 3, end. And John I. Epistle,
5, 4. Whatsoever is begotten of God overcometh the world, &
this is the victory, that hath overcome the world, even our Faith.
Finally, in the third place, what causes, certainly, my Pyrrho-
nism (skepticism) & doubting to blush, is that well-known love of
perfection, with which we are bound up. Paul, describing the
energy thereof, (to use an hyperbolic, though not incongruous
epithet), the omnipotence in the golden to Rom. chapter 8th,
finally, after a long enumeration of the parts, he exclaims: But
in all these things we surpass more than we conquer, & the more
so are we conquerors, through the Christ loving you. Who, there-
fore, in these least things, would despair of victory, as if the neces-
saries of life, or secular concerns, could present such obstacles unto
the Christ-loving soul, that she could not please her bridegroom of
the perfect? Whether or no, he who loved his own in his son
before the foundation of the world, & gave to us his only begotten
son, in the likeness of ourselves, unto a most ignominious death,
will he, I say, donate his spirit sparingly, & imperfectly, or a spirit,
inperfect, mixed, inadequate? Away with such a thought (not
to say: a suspicion) of a loving soul concerning so loveworthy a
God! John the Baptist eloquently testifieth the contrary of Christ:
To whom, he saith, God gave spirit without measure, i. e. im-
measurable & entire. He himself, of a verity, is the vine, we the
branches thereof, John XV., now with what sap & spirit the vine
is nourished (poured through), with the same, also, the branches
(are nourished). Hence, also, concerning us Paul, Tit. 3, 6. he
hath poured out his holy spirit upon us, richly, opulently, plenti-
fully, exceeding all desire, compare Rom. 5, 5. Also, in how much
we are impelled by the spirit of Christ, in so much do we bid fare-
well to the spirit of this world : or, in how far we love Christ, in
so far do we pursue with hatred worldly & perishable things;
until the perfected love (i John 4, 18) thrusteth out every fear
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of all enemies, & the accompHsher crowneth the conquerors with a
perfect crown.
But to revert to myself:
How happeneth it, my Kelpius! that unto thy God, so love-
worthy, so rich, so liberal & in endless ways transcending thine
every desire, in these least things, in temporal affairs, in perishable
things, in foreign things, in external & transitory affairs (not to
say eternal & spiritual), I say, in these thou hast not hitherto
shewn the acme of perfection & scarcely shewest it even now?
Knowest thou not that all the saints of old have shewn it, & art
thou not very sure that it is possible even now, while the very
same spirit survives, your leader, your guide, your helper & accom-
plisher? What sort of an account, I pray, wilt thou give, here-
after, to the judge, judging without regard to persons & that ac-
cording to the works of every one ? To these & similar objections,
I answer: Man, indeed, is born, not immediately on the first day,
nor immediately in the first year, & in seven years he reaches man-
hood, yet, nevertheless, man is perfect, he is furnished (endowed)
with all things constituting the human body: granted, even if all
the members be very delicate, & the whole body subject to various
accidents, vicissitudes, sorrows & diseases: & the mind (subject to)
instructions, chastisements, & exercises & an infinite number of
other things: yet he despaireth not in all these, that he will once
reach the age of manhood. But if these things are certain in the
mortal generation, how much more (are they so) in the regenera-
tion, when (where) various degrees of perfection are given. Justi-
fication, namely, is accomplished through faith by one act indeed
(just as the natural generation & filiation, so to speak) : but
renovation & sanctification are to be pursued throughout our entire
lives, until we may reach the goal, i. e. the age of manhood in
Christ, according to that dictum : And he that is righteous, let him
do righteousness still : & he that is holy, let him be made holy still.
Apoc. 22. & that well-known saying: He that doth not advance in
that which is good, retrogradeth : he that doth not progress on the
holy road, regresseth. Namely, even as we advance from child-
The Journal of Kelpius. 6l
hood to the age of manhood, gradually, so, little by little, (we
advance) from vices to virtue, &, in turn, from virtues unto
virtues, 2. Pet. i, 5. 6. 7. & Apoc. chapters I. & II. where the
seven degrees; we go to the age of manhood, or the age of per-
fection, not in the life to come, but in this life: likewise, also, in
this life, sins must be overcome; from the very bottom & the root
they must be extirpated. And just as, when the sun ascendeth
above the horizon, the darkness is gradually dispelled, the mists
pass away by degrees; until, standing at mid-day, he triumph com-
pletely over darkness. Thus Christ, the sun & light of the spir-
itual & new world, not only beginneth to dispel in us the reign of
darkness & foul whirlpool night, but through faith in ourselves, he
conducteth the war unto perfect victory. But faith according to
that passage in Paul, i. Cor. 13, end, is of this life, not of the life
to come: indeed our errors on account of the necessaries of life (of
which I began speaking) belong to this life, not the future one,
therefore, we must here triumph over these. Nor did the Israel-
ites sin in that, because they did not cast out the Canaam'tes in one
day, or in one year, but in that, they believed not the command of
God nor his promise of victory, as if He were commanding impos-
sibilities: who afterwards were willing, but in vain, because
God was unwilling so I also, although I have not yet attained to
thorough manhood (Ecclesiastes, 7. 29) & I have not yet cast out
of my land worldly desires, & consequently not all Canaanites, yet
am I daily bent upon it, that I make greater advances in the camp
of the enemies, until that I may be crowned with true quietude of
soul as a perfect conqueror of all enemies, having vanquished &
utterly extirpated them. But if truly, according to the likeness of
that worthless, cowardly & timid servant (compare Apoc. 21, 8.,
Matt. 25), I should despair in this life of the gain (advantage) &
the victory, & should accuse the Lord, as if He were commanding
impossibilities, of severity, I should not obey His command of per-
fection. Matt. 5, 48. of perfect sanctification. Lev. 11, 44. chapter
19, 2. I. Pet. I, 15, 16. I should distrust Him, He offering aid
& victory, I should delay the war against the enemies, assailing me
62 The Pennsylvania-German Society.
m this present world, to the future world, where no enemfes are
given; I say by doing this, I should sin, & deservedly would I be
hurled at last into the lowermost darkness, inasmuch as I, who
would not go out during the six days (as those would not, who
were idle), i. e. in this life, I would seek the manna on the Sabbath
day, i. e., in the life to come.
I have rested with the foolish virgins, the bridegroom having
entered, & the gates having been closed, I was knocking, i. e. in
this life, as if it were night, I neglected to walk in the perfect light
of Christ, & the like of her I went about the will-o'-the-wisp, but
I did not go forth to meet him a-shouting with the prudent ones,
while it was midnight as yet, & the gate open, & the bridegroom
was coming on. In this manner I should be like a child, who, if
he were to reach manhood hereafter, should foreknow how great
hardships were yet to be overcome with great pain, to obtain
wherewith he should be fed & clothed, how great annoyances were
to be undergone at the schools, & chastisements to be sustained for
cultivating the mind towards the acquisition of prudence in con-
cerns of business: I say, considering (weighing) thoroughly these
& other grievances of that sort, he should despair of obtaining
virile age in this life, & place his trust in death, as if dead, he
should at least come ofF a perfect man. But dropping this fool, I
have chosen to imitate the infant Redeemer, who grew both in age
& wisdom before God & men: this one remained hidden from the
twelfth year of his age for eighteen years. He remained hidden,
I say, but he lived well, i. e. he grew from day to day, until he
went forth, in his thirtieth year, A Man. And, after that, he most
perfectly fulfilled the will of his Father for the salvation of the
entire world, he went out of this life, &, sitting at the right hand
of his omnipotent Father, he sendeth his Holy Spirit unto all
believing on him. He also aideth mine infirmities; for me & in
m.e he pleadeth with unspeakable sighing (Rom. 8, 26) & he ac-
complished! in me, that I am both willing & at times thoroughly
do the will of my Father Abba. And so the virtue of the Almighty
is perfected in mine infirmity.
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I believe, therefore, according to the testimony of the entire
Scripture with all Saints: That our Father wisheth, wisheth, I say,
that his children be free from every fault: that God wisheth they
may luithhold themselves from every sin; mankind were created
by Him for justice, &" He donated them zvith the spirit of His
Son. That Christ desireth that those be purified from every sin,
for the expiation of whom, he himself became a victim, z^ that the
virgin soul is to be delivered up to him; a virgin, I say, chaste ^
devoid of every wrinkle or vice, he entrusted her unto us. That
the Holy Spirit effecteth that this will of the Father is' of the Son
be accomplished in us as yet in this life. And, although, thus far
I may have been subjected to infinite temptations & may have
borne my cross daily, nor have always advanced with equal steps,
nay rather have fallen oftentimes, & as to that, into the horrid
whirlpool & filthy mire (Psalm XL. 3.) & have drawn near the
gate of death (Psalm IX.), insomuch that with the same David,
I should have cried out: (Psalm 38.) Jehovah, turn not upon me
fiercely! Punish me not in thine anger! [This chastisement may
be of the healing not of the killing one: with the rod of love of a
father toward his son, Hebr. 12., not of a judge pursuing with
the sword of judgment]. For thy darts are thrust upon me, thy
hand presseth me down \_& with Job, chap. 6. The arrows of the
Almighty are ivithin me, the poison whereof my spirit drinketh up,
while I am wrestling with the terrors of God.] Thy chastisement
in my heart, the continued representation of Thy dreadful judg-
ment, & the long lasting absence of Thy gratuitous consolations,
bringeth it about, that I begin to perceive nothing if not (only)
sin within me & without. For nothing is sound in my body [vici-
ousness dwelleth in me! for I know & daily experience that the
good dwelleth not in me, i. e. in my flesh or in the human nature ;
but sin dwelleth in me, against this] so great is Thine anger, that
Thou didst not spare Thy son, who was a stranger to sin, but
didst give him over into death, & madest an execration for exe-
crable me, that I too may become ingrafted in that similitude of
his death, to the end that the sinful body may be cast oflE, nor that
I be in bondage of sin any longer, for in my limbs there is nothing
uninjured on account of my sin.
VI.
LETTER TO MARY ELIZABETH GERBER IN
VIRGINIA.
To Mary Elizabeth Gerber in Virginia,
{Translation.)
October 8th, 1704.
Contents: — An answer to her letter, in which she requests an
expression of my opinion concerning the Quakers. —
Immanuel! Granted the request. Eph. i, 17-23. In Jesu C,
our Lord, most esteemed & revered Sister:
,OUR beloved missive of Aug. 23 rd '4, duly received.
I rejoice in that you would awake from the death-like
slumber of sin of the world, & from worldly senti-
ments, & in that you earnestly covet the inheritance
of the Saints, & would walk in the light of the Son
of God. I, likewise, entertain the confident hope, that
the God of Peace, hath, indeed, begun in your soul the work of the
new creation (regeneration), & will, through the blood of the ever-
lasting Covenant, also, perfect the same unto the day of Jesu
Christ. As regards other matters, &c them also (the Friends?)
(less scattered in the communities of the present day, & in spirit
bound, expecting the hope of Sion) (Zion) these let us carry in our
hearts, for God, & pray for them — your love requesteth of me, all
manner of experience & cognition, to the end that you may prove,
what be the best; especially in these latter, dangerous times, in
which not only the mockers (scoffers), described by the Apostles
(2. Pet. 3, 3.2. Tim. 3, i) do in all stations of life & in all
religions so prodigiously increase, but also there have gone forth all
manner of angels & spirits (i John 4.7.2. Pet. 2, i. Matth. 24.
64
The Journal of Kelpiiis. 65
II. I. Cor. II. 19. I. Tim. 4. I.) & they have instituted con-
gregations, one arming against the other. Here Temples of the
Lord ! Here the Catholic Church of Christ ! Here the Orthodox
Evangelical ! Here the Chosen Reformed ! Here the again-born
baptized (Anabaptists?) ! Here the Folk (People) of God, walk-
ing in the Light, etc. Now some of these have their distinct praise,
gift of beauty, strength, might, power, wisdom, order, light &c., the
which, indeed, are apparent to an impartial eye, whilst at the same
time, we perceive, that they have received said ornaments but piece-
meal, & not in the highest & most irrefragable perfection: the one
hath received this, the other that, none (not one) of them hath
received all (ornaments) alone in the highest degree: all in part,
not one in united harmony. One possesseth something apart from
the rest & very similar to the image of perfection, which is wanting
to the other, the latter, in turn, hath something, that is wanting to
the former, &c. Howbeit every one vaunteth as being the best &
most comely amongst all these women, & the last (of which you,
dear Sister, write) claims to be the only dove, dearest unto her
mother, yea, the chosen one of her mother, yea, verily, the mother
or the very self of the New Jerusalem. But unto this very day are
not agreed amongst themselves, as to which of them deserveth the
chief place: yet why speak of their reaching an agreement? They
have no such intention: they even contend among themselves, but
not as did erstwhile the Disciples of Christ, as to who should be
regarded chief in the Mystery of Grace (devotion), but which of
them be most accomplished in the mystery of malice, the arch
heretic, yea, even the Babylonian harlot herself: nor are they con-
tent with reviling, those that are in power use the sword, those
lacking the sword make swords of their tongues, & with such blind
rage, that it moves to pity ; first, that they are unable to recognize
themselves; second, nor those against whom they are fighting;
thirdly, least of all are they aware of what they profess (this is
especially true of the last).
"Who are they, pray?" You, esteemed Sister, will probably
ask, & how shall I learn to know them, that I may not err In my
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judgment, & become a partaker of their contention, & come into
danger of the judgment, that needs must follow? " Answer: This
is taught by Paul, Gal. 4. Coloss. 2., by the Apocalypse & by the
Song of Songs of Sol., as followeth, namely: They all are sisters
amongst themselves £s° children of Jerusalem, but not of her that is
freej but of her that is a handmaid & in thraldom with her chil-
dren. Which becometh clear (see p. 9. 10. Gal. 4), that they all
serve weak & paltry tenets (statutes). They observe days &
months & feasts & seasons, each in his particular manner & differ-
ently, as compared with the others, (hence the origin of the strife,
schism or sects among them). Yet in this they are all agreed,
that they serve their own tenets, which they love, & which they
recognize as good & true; these tenets they exalt, defend, propa-
gate, & extol before others (proselytize), etc. All of which
(sects, etc.) (however profligate some of them may be) have a
semblance of wisdom & truth ; wherefore, also, Paul calleth all
such tenet-service or living according to law — " Philosophy " or
love of wisdom. Col. 2. Of these (people) they teach in the
schools of the present day, of each distinctly, as well as of what
truth they hold, so far as demonstrable in Holy Writ, but the body
or the entity herself & the occult wisdom & truth are not therein
(in these meetings), but in Christ, in whom there lie hidden all
treasures of wisdom & understanding, yea the entire plenitude of
the Deity dwelleth corporally in Him. Through Him we are
rendered entirely participant of the entity of all tenets deduced
from (mentioned in) Holy Writ. (As Paul adduceth a renowned
example of circumcision. Col. 2, V. ii), but such tenets as are
not mentioned in the Scriptures, these appertain (are referable) to
mankind, commandments & doctrines; Vol. 2. 22. N.B. Matth.
15. 9. Isaiah (Esa) 29. 13. unto which, indeed, some of these
church-women do more homage than to those, which are called the
"shadows of the body" by Paul, Col. 2. 17. Hebr. 8. 5. chap.
"10. I. Whereby they are clearly recognized, of what mind they
be, namely, children of Sinai or Hagar, of the bond-woman & not
of the free understanding, yea of Sinai, even of his great splendor,
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light, spirit, clearness, enlightenment, mutes etc. Especially in the
New Testament, far more splendidly than in the Old, in which it
is more spiritual : Thus it is . . . wherefore, up to this time, naught
else hath appeared in Christendom (primitive Christianity ex-
cepted) ; for what of Zion hath been there & still abideth, is
only in the desert, whereof we shall soon speak more amply ; hence
it hath come to pass, that many a one, inexperienced in the word
of justice, & that such, whose senses were not practiced in dis-
criminating, have honored the bond-woman, instead of the woman
(mistress) herself, &, likewise, regarded the bond-slave for the
Son. To the end that you, esteemed Sister, may not fall into the
same error, I shall briefly touch upon what is meant by the Woman,
the free and only Dove of the rightful Solomon, or the New
Jerusalem, so that, by comparing the one with the other, you may
recognize both more readily. Isaiah saith, chap. 65, that in the
New Jerusalem, which the Lord willed to create on earth (N.B.
on earth, &, therefore, not in heaven, though she descendeth from
heaven) the voice of lamentation & of weeping shall be heard no
more. Likewise saith He in the Apocalypse, chap. 21. 4. death
shall be no more, nor sorrow, nor wailing (crying), nor pains.
But whereof doth a repentant heart complain & weep more, than
of sin? What else is the sting of death, than sin? What filleth
us with greater grief, than sin committed ? Where is the loudest
wailing & the greatest pain, if not in the anxiety of being born
again (regeneration), John 16.21. Hence, the sense hereof is:
In the New Jerusalem there shall be no more sinners, none that
stand in need of repentance, none that suffer the pains of regen-
eration: (as we read in the last verse: Naught that is vile shall
enter therein, nor that worketh abomination & falsehoods), but
regenerated ones only, holy, just, new men, who can sin no more,
I John 3.9. chap. 8, 10. Heb. 9.28., who, therefore, die no more,
neither bodily nor spiritually, Apoc. 21, 4. i Cor. 15, 26. 54.
John II. 26. Luke, 20. 36. In brief: The curse and death,
which are laid in & upon the entire creation (creature), by the
fall of the first Adam, under which even to this hour all creatures
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have groaned, Rom. 8, 18-25. shall be completely removed by the
atonement & efficacy of the everlasting redemption in the blood of
the second Adam, offered up on the cross, when He shall come a
second time bodily (I say bodily, because some would have it but
spiritually, whereas it shall be both; still, however, it is only in
the mystery of devotion as yet see A. A. i, 10.2. (acts of Apostles)
Thess, 5, 10. that He appear glorious in & with His Saints &
wonderful in & with (thus readeth the original text) all the faith-
ful, which Paul, Rom, 8. calleth the manifestation of the children
of God. Who are the children of the resurrection, Luke, 20. 36.
This shall be the year of the great jubilee, when all prisoners will
be set free, & each one will return to his parental inheritance, the
which we have lost in our first father Adam, whereof the entire
Old Testament is filled. Of this the Apostles & first Christians
had but the firstlings, but not the fullness, not the perfection (Rom.
8. 23) (Cor. 13, 9-2 Cor. 5. 7.) the which they awaited, as they
had, indeed, so plentifully received the coming (future) of Christ
in the spirit, as no congregation or church after Him even to this
hour. They possessed all manner of spiritual gifts both for their
inner glorification, as well as for the outer working of miracles.
Thus, in their community, there was not heard any longer the voice
of groaning, weeping & lamentation, but that of joy & rejoicing
(lA. 2, 46. 47. C. 3, 31. Rom. 5, 3-5. Phil. 4, 4. i Pet. 4.
13). If an unclean one, or a hypocrite or a liar wanted to join
them, he either was liable to instant death, or he was punished in
the presence of all, & the hidden things of his heart became
manifest, so that he had to fall upon his countenance (prone) &
adore God & confess that God was truly in him. i Cor. 4, 24, 25.
(though these did not long enjoy their happiness, for the great
apostasy & Antichrist was up already and doing in their days.
Thess. 2, 7.) And yet they became not prouder & filled, as
though they had enough already & wanted no more (as in Laod.
Apoc. 3) for they had seized (grasped) the utmost dove-like
simplicity, the which alone seeketh the King's heart, that is not
satisfied with any gifts, until that she have the Giver himself, (not
The Journal of Kelphis. 69
to say (much less) that she loveth the Giver for the sake of the
gifts) but to exclaim all along: Come, Lord Jesu! yea, the Spirit
himself & the bride said, Come! And he that beareth witness of
all this, saith : yea, I come quickly ! amen. Whence all, that are
participant of the same Spirit cry, by day & by night, at all places,
whithersoever they have been scattered: " Yes, come Lord Jesu! "
And, pray, dear Sister, how can the bride be prepared without the
bridegroom? Or, is the perfection to be wrought in the spirit
only? But then, what of the resurrection from death & the re-
demption of this body, for which all members of Christ do, with
Paul, so anxiously cry (Rom. 8, 15. Phil. 2, 20. 21. i Cor. 15.
entirely. Col. 3, 4. i John 3, 2. 2. Peter 3. entirely. 2. Cor. 5,
i-ii.) Did Christ, then, in spirit only ascend into heaven? &,
hence, is He to be expected in spirit only? Shall the selfsame
Jesus, whom his disciples did see to ascend bodily, from the Mount
of Olives come back again, just as his disciples saw Him ascending
into heaven: why, then, do our Laodiceans of the present day de-
clare, that He hath (is) come already? "He is come," they say
(as I myself have heard and read in their writings). "He is
come. Friends, we bide none other! " Is, then, he, whom the
Apostles & primitive Christians waited for, an other one, than he,
whom they had (seen) already ascend, & who sent them from
heaven after ten days the promise of the Father, namely: The
Holy Spirit? Or, did they await Him merely for these ten days,
but not thereafter, because they now had His spirit? Why, then,
as aforesaid, do the spirit himself & the bride, at the conclusion of
the Apocalypse, cry : " Come, Lord Jesu ! "
Yes, dear Friends ! If He be come & ye bide none other, why,
then, do we hear at all your meetings, especially when these are
most godly, as you say, the voice of sobbing, of weeping, lamenta-
tion, yea anguish, sorrow, pain & ululation as for one dead? Is
this the jubilant voice of the bride for her bridegroom? If, how-
ever, ye do rejoice by virtue of being moved by His Spirit as the
(since) Spirit of Christ is made manifest among you at times, just
as amongst all other congregations) O, then, do for once give
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honor unto God & confess: that you have, indeed, received a
glimpse of His beauty through His spirit in your hearts, but never
yet have ye seen the Lord of Glory himself with His royal diadem,
wherewith His Mother shall crown Him on the day of His
exaltation! Or, had ye seen Him, your heart would rejoice in
so much, that your joy would nevermore be taken from you (John
1 6, 22), since, as you say, you must at every meeting await Him
anew. Yea, if ye had but His spirit, the other Paraclete, whom
the Father giveth that He remain supreme (John 14, 16), remain-
ing and dwelling in you, ye would not begin to rejoice as at a
marriage feast for the time, but with the woman in the desert &
her seed, together with the Spirit, ye would cry day and night:
" Come, Lord Jesu! " & patiently await His coming. But if ye
be the holy people, God's only people, whence cometh it, that the
number of the uncircumcised, of the unclean, of the abominable &
horrid liars, & of all manner of sinners, is far greater among you,
than the number of the just? Have not your tenets (statutes),
symbols or sacraments, whereby ye are distinguished from other
communities, become, at present, the pall of (for) vices, under
cover of which the worst hypocrites can conceal, yea really do con-
ceal themselves ? Saith old George Fox in his Journal : As soon as
any statute, though it be the way of the Apostles, hath become a
cloak for hypocrites, they are an abomination before God. Now,
should I consider your society the most beautiful among women,
that is free from blemish & hereditary evil, Cant. 4. 10., as the
community of the first-born, begotten in the perfection of justice?
Alas, ye are not even like unto the community of the Apostles &
first Christians, who were but a picture & a shadow of the future
(community) ! How could ye be the (community) of which
they (Apostles & first Christians) prophesied, & for whose manifes-
tation they did so earnestly pray? The best among you must work
out their salvation with fear & trembling. Now, the spirit of fear
& trembling is the spirit of Hagar & Sinai, Heb. 12, 21. & not the
spirit of Hagar & Sarah, which is the spirit of the new creation in
the new Adam, Jesus, the Mediator & Founder of the new cove-
The Journal of Kelpiiis. 71
nant, & (the spirit) crieth: Abba, Father, Rom. 8, 15. Gal, 4, 6.
& worketh in us a perfect love, which expelleth fear, i John 4, 18.
& (is) a joy on the day of Judgment, as is (felt) by those who
have penetrated from death unto life, John 5, 24. (Concerning
this joyous confidence & assurance, read Rom. 8. 31-39., which are
wrought by the spirit of mercy (grace) & faith, (which proceedeth)
from Zion & the Glad Tidings, which (spirit) gladdeneth the
heart & maketh it to feel gay towards God & man, so that we will,
without compulsion, willingly & gladly, do good unto all men,
suffer all things, serve every one, &c. But the servile spirit of
Sinai is for ever complaining, mourning, murmuring, anguishing &
tormenting the conscience forever more, & yet being unable to help,
nor yet to impart strength, since always vexing). Now ye have,
indeed, caught a glimpse (of the true community, but deeming the
same endangered as yet & fixing a limit (measure), therefore you
give those coming (to you) opportunely, to understand that ye
have as yet not reached the tranquilly flowing nether waters of per-
fection because these are inexhaustible (lost in inexhaustibility)
— But, esteemed Sister, I seem to have forgotten you, in apostro-
phizing (addressing) others, while writing to you. But may the
Lord give unto (you) her the spirit of Wisdom & Scrutiny, so that
she may, with Mary, choose the best part. But methinks I hear
her say: This would I fain (have) should I forget thee, Jerusalem,
may my right be forgotten. My tongue must cleave unto my pal-
ate, whenever I suffer not, Jerusalem, thy memory to be my great-
est joy. This is the free one ! This is the fairest amongst women.
This is the dove, the only one of her mother, the dearest, the chosen
one of her mother. But, alas, where is she ! Who leadeth me unto
her! Since my former leaders have been but misleaders, & those
that offered oil unto me, were the petty merchants in Chaldea.
Tell me, where He pastureth, whom my soul loveth, where He
resteth on the noon-day of His greatest power, that I may but
wander to & fro among the herds of His companions! Where,
pray, is the fairest of women, so that I may not become enamored
of one of the women, described above, & be contaminated by her.
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Hath (is) the only dove, indeed, flown heavenward, or, if she
be as yet on earth, tell me, in which forest she resteth, and in which
city am I to find her abode? The answer is: She is, indeed, as yet
on earth, & she was glorious to behold in the days of the Apostles.
But, after she had given birth to the self-same boy, she fled into the
desert (wilderness). Apoc. 12., whence she shall soon ascend,
leaning upon her friend. Cant. 8, 5. (Song of Songs). And
when she shall see the above-mentioned daughters, then will she
carefully prove them; the queens themselves & the concubines will
praise her. Cant. 6, 8. (9). Meseemeth, however, I hear my
esteemed Sister say: "This answer is too obscure (dark) ; I can not
understand it. Describe unto me the dove in her true form, & her
feathers, so that I may know her. Yes, tell me, without concealing
anything, her place of abode; for I shall not cease from seeking,
until that I may have found her, though it should be at the price of
my goods & blood, yea, though it cost me my life." Answer: May
the Lord strengthen her in her resolution, & vouchsafe that this
zeal may nevermore become extinguished in her, but ever burn
brightly! I, in proportion to my slight ability, shall gladly do my
best. Nevertheless, I must, esteemed Sister, overtly tell her; that
we can neither find nor know this dove, except we ourselves be-
come as dovesj &, as soon as we be such, forthwith we fly into the
wilderness to join the other. This wisdom was not concealed from
David; hence his yearning. Psalm 55. 7. 8. Would that I had
wings as doves, that I might fly & perchance remain! Lo, then
would I fly afar off & lodge in the wilderness. Selah. But whoso
desire to fly, if he fly not well, will inevitably plunge himself into
danger, wherein many a soul perisheth. Therefore, the Lord saith
in Isaiah c. 30, 15. N.B. Jer. 14, lO.
If ye remained still, ye would be aided; by being quiet & by
hoping, ye would be strong. Hence they chatter only & mourn
with Isaiah (38, 15. c 59, 11.) as a dove day & night. And when
their eyes have become as doves' eyes. Cant, i, 15. c. 4, i. they look
only at their beloved & hide themselves in His wounds, as in the
clefts of the rock. Cant. 2, 14. To the end that they may not, like
The Journal of Kelpius. 73
the foolish & decoyed (or timid, without heart) dove Ephraim, now
invoke Egypt, & then run to Assyria, Hosea 7, 11., imploring of
these spiritual, of those corporal (bodily) food & aid, for there be
dove-vendors as well as oil-vendors, to whom the silly doves &
virgins run. Oh, he that rightly knoweth these, in verity doth he
beware of them. The oil signifieth the Spirit, the dove, the proper
form of the bride of the lamb, which is love. Thus there are to be
noted especially, according to the number of the five prudent & five
foolish virgins, five things, that our five senses be not injured in
their maidenly, dovelike simplicity in Christ, 2, Cor. 11,3. Matth.
10. 16., namely: i. The bridegroom, 2. the virgins, 3. the vendors,
4. the oil, 5. the lamps. But, may God give her the understanding
of the spirit of Jesu Christ, that she, according to the admonition
of Paul, 2. Tim. 2, 15. may rightfully divide the word of truth,
&, after she have flown from the filth of the world by the knowl-
edge (recognition) of the Crucified for her sin, 2. Pet. 2, 20. nor,
indeed, purchase the oil or light herself for the bridegroom; nor
forthwith regard some, though they have oil in their lamps, as
prudent virgins, because these also have arisen at midnight of the
great schism (falling off), & will testify to the universal slumber
in sin of the world. Verily, the vendors sit not only at Rome & in
the great church, where, alas, God have mercy! there is little oil,
but, indeed, a great, yea Egyptian & palpable darkness. Even the
little foxes spoil the vineyard, even men catch & kill the doves.
Should the virgins that are cleansed (washed off) by the blood
of the lamb, from the temeration of (with) their first v/cman
(wife), Apoc. I, 5. chap. 7, 14. & who now follow the lamb, Apoc.
14, 4., again be defiled with other women, because these may be
more comely (beautiful) than the first? Let that (thought) be
far removed ! Those, however, that do it, will, in time, find their
second purification more difficult than the first.
Now, my dear Sister might say, " Even so would I, as a chaste,
pure virgin, follow the lamb, the spotless, the pure, even the lamb
of God, slain for us, whithersoever it goeth, because I, too, have
been ransomed by it. But how am I to walk, in this Sardian disper-
74 The Pennsylvania-German Society.
sion, among so many church women, that I may not soil nor be-
draggle my garments, Rev. 3, 4. c. 14, 4.?" Answer: If she be
really in earnest, & if she be conscious of a manly, strong & genuine
(uncolored) love in her to Jesus & His bride, yea, if such a simple
love J which hateth duplicity. Mar. 6, 24, 2. Cor. 6, 14, 15. i.
John 2. 15, Gal. i, 10. Jac. 4, 4. If she find, I say, this love in
her, or at least an essential longing thereafter, to the end that this
love may once be perfected in her, & she be rooted in & founded
upon this love, Eph. 3, 17. Is it thus? Come on! She is rapt of
the dove-kind ! Nothing can harm her so long as she abide therein,
if she herself forfeit not this love, either, i. By slighting the same:
or, 2. By breaking forth too early. In order to prevent this the
only mean is, to fly into the desert on eagle's wings, where, even
now, the woman, the bride of the lamb, is most assuredly nourished
unto her time appointed (which is very nigh at hand) after the
expiration of which, she will break forth, first, as the dawn, after-
wards, fair as the moon, then, chosen as the sun, but finally, ter-
rible as vanguards of hosts, Cant. 6, 9. "O yes! would she say,
whoso would rightly understand this all, to be preserved from the
dragon! "
But, dear Soul ! pray do not entertain melancholy thoughts con-
cerning these subjects, nor imagine strange things, for in virginal
lovej all things are contained. If she in childlike simplicity weigh
and consider all that I have already said, I do not doubt, but that
God will vouchsafe prosperity (thrivingness). But, if she under-
stand all In its first sense, then, God be praised, & may He grant
the will & the accomplishment. But, if not? Then, let her be
patient, & make no ado, for the time might come, when it would
be serviceable unto her. I must now hasten towards the conclu-
sion, yet it will not, as I hope, be disagreeable, if I talk a little more
about the wilderness. This is twofold: i. Corporal & 2. Spiri-
tual. In the corporal sense, there are again two divisions (yet this
sense is unfathomable). Herein it signifieth those who fled into
the wilderness before the great apostasy (falling o£E), soon after the
times of the Apostles (whereof the life of the primitive fathers
The Journal of Kelpius. '75
(forefathers) is worthy of perusal). Whereof in Rev. c.i2ij/k to 6.
verse 2. Here, the corporeal wilderness of the entire Christianity,
that hath fallen off (apostatized), is meant, which is called the
great city of Babylon Sc Egypt, in which the woman, that is, all the
true members of Christ & children of the higher (upper) Jeru-
salem are hidden, amongst all religions & stations in life, as well as
excluded, Apoc. 12. at the end (for desert signifieth as much as
"hidden" or not manifest). Therefore, we ought not to despise
any religion, because Christ still hath in all His true members; nor
must we regard any religion too high, as hath been said above suf-
ficiently. The spiritual sense, however, though it, too, is inex-
haustible, may be subdivided into two heads: i. In regard to the
whole community or body of Christ, which we shall, for the present,
not discuss, 2. With regard to every member of this body in par-
ticular. Just as now the entire body of Christ is in the desert or
hidden, so also is every member or soul in particular. No reason-
ing, though it put on all spectacles, can recognize the latter, yet may
be angered at them, & will take counsel to extirpate these hidden
ones of the Lord, Psalm 83, 4. Coloss. 3,3. But the Lord hideth
himself secretly in his tent (pavilion). But as regards the actual
state of a soul in the wilderness, I cannot at present describe. If
She, dear soul! become rightly participant of the dove-kind, she
will, as aforesaid, also obtain eagle's wings to fly thereinto. Then
will she experience, what it be, to chatter (coo) as a lonely turtle-
dove, day and night for the longed for loved one, how, meanwhile,
the loved one feed her with the hidden manna, Apoc. 2, 7. How
He will let her know the secret & hidden wisdom. Psalm 5, 8.
Psalm 28, 14 . . . which God ordained (prescribed) before the
world . . . splendor. How He will donate unto her His great,
secret goods (treasures), which are better than life. Psalm 31, 20.
How He will teach her to know the hidden God & Saviour, who
leadeth His saints so wonderfully, Isaiah 45, 15. & the Father who
seeth in secret Matth. 6, 6. She will experience, how this friend
of her soul sweeten the bitter waters of tribulations and sufferings
in march through the wood of life & mild yoke of His cross, Exod.
15. Matth. II.
76 The Pennsylvania-German Society.
How the hard rock in Horeb becomes (is transformed into) a
fresh fountain of the water of life by knocking with faith, Exod.
17, I. Cor. 10, 4. How during the day, from out the cloud that
guideth her, so many droplets of grace (mercy) of heavenly dew,
will fall upon her as a baptism of grace. This will be unto her a
day of joy & shouting, when the Holy Ghost shall stir in her heart
& move the waters, so that the fount shall be poured forth from
out her eyes in tears of pure joy. Oh, blessed baptism of water!
Who would not daily, yea, hourly, be baptized thus! But there
followeth also a night upon this day, wherein the fiery column, as
God in the east, will preserve her, which is the baptism in fire of
the Son, until that, at last, the old birth, bred in Egypt, and
longing for the Egyptian pots of lust, shall completely die out
together with Moses. Then will the true Jonah-Jesus lead the
new birthj that was born in the desert, & is now grown to the
age of manhood, then will he lead this birth to the taking of the
new Canaan, yea, lead her thereinto. Oh, who would not long for
this desert (wilderness) ! which is so joyful, & standeth so glad-
some & bloometh as the lilies! Yes, it bloometh and standeth re-
joicing, for the splendor of Lebanon is given unto her (the wilder-
ness). The ornament (excellency) of Carmel & Saron (Sharon),
Isaiah, 35, i. Even the most bitter myrrhs here contain the most
hidden sweetness. Even the heaviest burthen is light, & the hardest
yoke is mild (gentle). The deepest sadness hath hidden in itself,
the inmost joy; darkness is as light. Psalm 139, 12. Here, dying
is to become alive ; poverty is the greatest wealth ; hunger & thirst
are as the most longed for food & most refreshing drink; to be
nothing and to become nothing, is to inherit all things; to have
nothing is to possess all things ; to be weak, is the greatest strength ;
unrest is the securest peace ; no trouble, no work tires, for the more
one works, the stronger one becomes, & yet the feeblest weakness
hath hidden in itself the greatest strength. From out such desert
there shall arise (be built) the fairest city, namely, the New Jeru-
salem. Now, then. Esteemed Sister, are you willing to come into
the wilderness, & are ye pleased to flee thereinto ? Then it is neces-
The Journal of Kelpius. yj
sary to understand these things spiritually & not corporally, because
all things gross be herein. Be their names what they will, there are
no wildernesses in the primitive (first) spiritual understanding,
but inhabited cities, full of temples & altars. If she be willing to
follow the lamb, whithersoever it goeth, then let her not follow the
women, because one is only contaminated with these. Wouldst
thou convert thyself, then convert thyself unto me, saith the Lord,
Jer. 4, I. If she have the spirit of the Lord as her teacher & master,
she must, indeed, be very desirous (studious) if she be not content
with Him. But if she hear Him in a friend of the bridegroom.
He will always direct her to the lamb, as John, & bid neither him-
self, nor any one else to follow. But he that followeth after the
lamb, must not run before it, lest the wolf catch him. To follow
Him is the surest way; to remain with Him is the best security;
& on His pasture there is found the best food. And this she may
do, if she, according to His own admonition, Matth. 6, 6. remain
at home, bodily & spiritually, go into her chamber, lock the door,
& pray to her Father in secret, & her Father, who seeth in secret,
will reward her openly. Amen.
With cordial greetings, I am ever ready to serve you in Christ,
& I shall be happy to hear that you are prospering. The Lord, our
King, grant her His benison from Zion, to the end that she may
see Jerusalem, her salvation, throughout her life.
J. Kelpius.
P.S. Many more things could I write, but, how is it possible
to describe the inexpressible with pen & ink! The Lord, however,
unite our hearts by His spirit, that we, in united harmony, may
grow together in one faith & knowledge of the Son of God, & ever
become a more perfect man, who is to be in the measure of the
perfect age of Christ (see Eph. 4, 14, 15, 16). Thus we shall,
though absent in body, in the selfsame spirit be present one to
another & offer up one & the same petition, prayer, intercession &
thanksgiving through the hand of the Mediator J. C. H.
78 The Pennsylvania-German Society.
Buntchy sends his best regards. Both he & H. Matthey rejoice
exceedingly because of her conversion to (growth in) Christ.
These men came to us about a year ago, & have, in this short time,
Increased powerfully In the renunciation of the cares of this world
& the allurements thereof. May the Lord strengthen & confirm
these dear souls furthermore. They live amongst us, less scattered,
& with us, they long, that, indeed, our Arch-Shepherd would bring
together the scattered children of God through the power (by
virtue) of His suffering (passion). (John ii, 52). Jerusalem,
Indeed, Is being built In this sorrowful time, whilst we hold the
stones wrought with the one hand, & hold the weapon In the other,
Nehem. 4, 17. And the stones, each one for Itself are prepared
outside of Jerusalem. Those that are perfected await the perfec-
tion of the rest, in whom the corner-stone himself, the first-born,
our Immanuel, doth wait, Heb. 10, 13.
. Whence the long-suffering of the great Architect, our God, yea,
of our Father In Christ becomes apparent, who causeth our breth-
ren, afore perfected toward salvation — to wait, that they might not
be perfected without us, Heb. 11, 40. When, however, the last
stone shall have been perfected, then will the edifice suddenly appear
without stroke of hammer, without tumult & shouting, appear in
Its divine splendor, beauty & magnificence. Therefore, beloved
soul, let us patiently (meekly) suffer chastening, to the end that we
obtain His sanctlfication (whereof read Heb. 12.) without which
no one shall see God. In my epistle I have answered her request
to a sufficiency, but hath It been to her edification? Should be
pleased to hear hereof. But, if she find therein ought that may
cause her some doubt, scruple, or the like, or be it that aught may
be too obscure or unintelligible, yea, if she would know aught more,
I am, as a fellow-servant, ready to serve her according to the ability
which God granteth. For It also pleaseth God to work even by
means (& Indeed, oftentimes by very weak ones, of which I am
probably one of the most inconsiderable). Just as He hath done
by your soul through one dear friend Chawiley (?) though he is
joined unto a certain congregation, nevertheless he hath somewhat
of the universal charity (love), whereof for the present (I will
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79
speak no more) — thus he hath been instrumental, largely, to the
first awakening of her soul. But now, may the faithful Arch-
Shepherd & Bishop (Overseer) of our salvation give her His
spirit Himself towards a union (a growth or growing to) & com-
plete perfection. Amen.
I remain, Esteemed Sister,
Your faithful brother, J. K.
Book Plate of Benjamin Furley, the Rotterdam Merchant.
VII.
LETTER TO DR. JOHANNES FABRICIUS
(ALTDORFINUS), GERMANY.
To Dr. Fabricius, Prof. Theol. at Helmstadt:
July 23rd, 1705.
OUR Magnificence: — The joy your letter afforded me
I am unable, at present, to describe. I did behold in
it, as in a mirror, the sincerity and uprightness of my
good old master. Dr. Fabricius. What dear Mr.
Ingelstaetter, evrettore dei Falkein, reported, is true,
so far as appertaineth to the principal point, namely,
that I have not become a Quaker. Such an idea hath never come
into my mind, albeit I love them from my inmost soul, even as I do
all other sects that approach and call themselves Christ's, the Bap-
tists even not excluded, and, vi^ith Peter, I have found out, in deed
and truth, that God regardeth not the person, but in all sorts of
work and religion. He that feareth Him, and doeth what is right,
is agreeable to Him. I could report of magnalities (if space per-
mitted) which this great God hath wrought even amongst the
Indians, whereof there is some printed notice in the Memoirs of
the Phil. Soc. in London, and how they are brought to grief now
and then by blind-mouthed Christians. Yet one instance I will
report, as abashed Sir W. Penn, when he was here last, Anno 1701
(if I remember rightly) when he wanted to preach to them of
faith in the God of Heaven and Earth, at their Kintika (thus they
call their festivity). After having listened tp him with great pa-
tience ; they answered : " You bid us believe in the Creator and Pre-
server of Heaven and Earth, though you do not believe in Him
yourself, nor trust in Him. For you have now made your own the
80
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PORTRAIT OF MAGISTER FABRICIUS.
TUTOR AND FRIEND OF KELPIUS.
FROM AN OLD COPPERPLATE AT HELMSTADT.
The Journal of Kelpius. 8i
land we held in common amongst ourselves and our friends. You
now take heed, night and day, how you may keep it, so that no one
may take it from you. Indeed, you are anxious even beyond your
span of life, and divide it among your children. This manor for
this child, that manor for that child. But we have faith in God the
Creator and Preserver of Heaven and Earth. He preserveth the
sun, He hath preserved our fathers so many moons (for they count
not by years). He preserveth us, and we believe and are sure that
He will also preserve our children after us, and provide for them,
and because we believe this, we bequeath them not a foot of land."
Whenever we shall be made worthy to see the many and varied
dwellings in our Father's house (for who would be so simple, to say
these dwellings were all of one sort), it is my belief we shall then
see that the same Architect cared little about our common formula
and systematic architecture. And, I trow, many disciples of Moses
and Christ, when in want or dying, might be glad if they shall be
received in any of the huts, described above, by him, whom they
perhaps accused of heresy in this life. I hope that God, who
maketh happy both man and beast, and hath mercy on all his
children, will, at last, make all men, as died in Adam, alive in the
other. But life and death are further distinguished from change,
so that those that have been made to live in Christ, must be de-
livered from the second death. I know that some cranks, spiriti
Divines, trouble and crucify themselves concerning this Lexion
theologiae (as they call it), but especially the Reprobratites, be-
cause these (Restitution of all things) cancel and crucify their dog-
mas so very frequently. Meseems, however, their little faith hath
its origin in the misunderstanding of the word Eternity, which
neither in Greek nor in Hebrew denoteth a time but an end, but
rather the contrary as they have both singular and plural numbers,
and Paul even speaketh of the birth of Eternities. But just as the
luminaries of the firmament are the dimensions of our time, so it
seemeth that the Eternities have, also, their dimensions, which, how-
ever, those (sensual Man's having not the spirit) cannot well see,
wherefore allowance must be made, if they, perchance, judge hereof
82 The Pennsylvania-German Society.
as the blind do of colors. But if the Lord from out his infinite
plentitude should give them the spiritual mind, they will, no doubt,
judge otherwise. How wroth I formerly would wax toward those
who would not accept the sayings of Schertzer or Calov as Oracles.
And I trust in the infinite mercy of God (and your Magnificence
also had great patience with me and to me, indeed, publicly, whereof
I have since often been ashamed, but admired your Magnificence's
humility and prudence), why should I then look with evil eye upon
my blind neighbor, because God hath, perchance, showed me before-
hand the abundance of His Mercy, by opening mine eyes before
theirs? Not to speak of, that I see but little fragments of the
fragmentary work and the men of the creation as trees! But, es-
pecially, because I hope to become one in God through Christ both
with those who do not yet see as I do, and with those that see much
better and farther than I.
Although I proffer this common love in the brotherly love, yet
the brotherly love, the Philadelphiae, remains with me on a firm
foundation ; whence I was wronged, if I have been called a Quaker
on account of the former (common love), or even furthermore, a
Papist, as has been done by the Quakers in this country, as I was
unwilling to enter the married state, however advantageous the
connection, wherefore I was either a Jesuit or an Indian Deitist,
although, by the grace of God, it is easy for me to be judged from
a human standpoint. Nevertheless I have mercy on such untimely
judges and condemners who are oblivious of the express prohibition
of Christ and Paul, though professing to be his disciples; There-
fore I can harmonize as little with the canon of the Anglical
Church (Confession), as with the anathema of the Council of
Trent, though having no part in the errors mentioned. To the
honor of the Anglical Church, I must confess, that they practice
the Doctrine of universal grace much better than the Lutherans.
Their 39 Theses, or Articles (I had almost said 40 less one) are
so mild and general, that they can be accepted by any one, who is
not too narrow-minded and of too little faith. If anyone amongst
them have but a private view, as, for instance, concerning the
The Journal of Kelpius.
83
universal restitution, the Millennium, the Metemptosis, etc., he is,
on that account, not excommunicated forthwith, especially, if he
make them but serviceable to the practice of piety, not for the insti-
tuting of Sects, although they deem the Quaker Sect the last, and
that the Lord would now soon come to His Temple, forasmuch as
the opinion concerning the Millennium is quite correct both
amongst them and the Presbyterians, or Calvinists, both in Old
and New England, as well as here, and even amongst the Quakers
themselves a few years ago. It is consequently wrong to place all
these into one category. The majority of them are just as worldly
in their opinions, as any of the great divisions may be, and if all
their members should be subjected to a particular examination on
some points of Religion — the result would be, as amongst others
— so many heads, so many opinions, as I have found out in mine
own experience. (Here the letter ends abruptly).
Vignette from Title Page of the " Paradisches Wunderspiel,"
Ephrata, 1 76 1.
VIII.
LETTER TO HENRICH JOH. DEICHMAN,
LONDON, ENGLAND.
Y health Is still precarious, though considerably
Improved, God be praised. All of us are often-
times exposed to severe temptations, yet our faith-
ful Helper is ever near and often granteth us a
splendid victory and bringeth it to pass, that we
rule in the midst of our enemies. Much could
be said on this subject: consider only, how Moses ruled over Pha-
raoh In Egypt, before gaining a complete victory, enabling him to
sing his song of triumph at the Red Sea: consider, how David, who
first was great In Babel, just as Moses In Egypt, ruled In the midst
of Babel over Bel and Betraies, before he under David and Cyu
(Cyrus?) assisted in the building of the temple: consider, how Christ
ruled In the midst of death, before he rose. Think of Paul, a captive
In Rome, David In the desert, etc. Thus also the new man ruleth
In us, while yet he Is surrounded by the old Adam, the sins, and death.
At the sea of glass, he will sing the song of triumph of Moses and
of the Lamb. Therefore we rejoice and are of good cheer, because
we know, that the complete victory will finally be of God and the
Lamb, and, therefore, ours. The new Adam within us, must,
according to the prototype of the old one, sleep and be still, until
his bride be fully built up and complete of his flesh and bone. O,
how great will his joy and ours be, if . . .he now shall awake
and recognize and name us as his own. Yea, when he shall have
left his father and his mother, and shall cleave to us, because he is
waiting therefor; why should we not wait a little for the consum-
mation, because we shall be rewarded so richly therefor? How
many have awakened love too soon, hindering thereby their growth
84
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85
unto the fulness of their stature; how many have, with their
strong spirit, striven too impetuously to attain something of the
spiritual gifts of their inheritance, which they afterward squan-
dered, and became poorer than they were at the beginning. Ex-
amples, such as these, we have in our days too, yea, even among our
house-mates, who serve to teach us to endure in blessed waiting
and resting in the will of God, until the destined end, meted out
by His providence, arrive. O, how this watching and waiting is
sweetened, in the mean time, for the humble, childlike souls that
yearn for the holy will of their Father only, in so much that they
would, indeed, wait forever, if their beloved Father would thus
have it. And in this wise, they constantly become more humble
and diminutive in their own estimation, in so much, that they
finally deem themselves wholly unworthy of the revelation of their
Friend and Bridegroom, whom they love so tenderly and for whom
they yearn so eagerly; for the more they contemplate themselves,
the more do they hate and despise their own self; but if they rise
above themselves, they become entirely oblivious of their own self.
And then their salvation is nearest, because they are farthest from
their own self, &c.
IX.
LETTER TO HESTER PALMER, AT FLUSHING,
LONG ISLAND.
A. 1706 d. 25, Mayi.^
My dearly beloved in our Iminanuel Jesus the Messiah:
The Son of God our Saviour.
EING presented lately with a letter of yours, directed
^M W to our beloved Friend M B ,- I
0m I Q^ found in the P. S. that the remembrance of mine was
B^pfl not yet slipt out of your Minde, insomuch that you
"*** desired to see a few lines from my hand, which De-
sire is an evident sign to me that the said remem-
brance is in Love and in the Truth.
Assure yourself that it is with no less Fervency on my Side, but
I finde as yet a double wall between us, which indeed seems to stop
the current of this firey love-dream of which no more at present,
least we should embolden ourselves to break through before the
time appointed by Him, who nourisheth the Woman in the Wilder-
ness (Rev. 12, 14). And since our Discourse broke just as we
was about this matter. Viz:— THE THREEFOLD WILDER-
NESS STATE, ril venture upon your Patience a few lines Con-
cerning this subject, adding the Third State in the Wilderness,
also having Confidence in your good Acceptance since you have in
a manner bidden me to write and I finding no better Subject than
to begin where we left it.
Of the first we did discourse somewhat, viz: — Of the Barren
^ Verbatim, et literatem.
2 The identity of this friend has not been discovered.
86
The Journal of Kelpius. 87
Wilderness, and as we was beginning the second, viz: — Of the
Fruitfull Wilderness, we was interrupted.
The first hath a respect upon the Old Birth, like as Ye second
upon the New. These two run parallel until the First dieth, and
then the Second is set at Liberty. The first is begotten in Egypt,
and then arriveth to its manhood, and being led out of Egypt falls
and Dieth in the Wilderness. The Second is also begotten in Egypt
but is educated, and arriveth to its manhood in the Wilderness,
and after the death of the First enters Caanan. The First seeth
indeed the stretched out Arm of God in Egypt as well as in the
Wilderness, but murmurs, provokes and tempts God and limiteth
the Holy one in Israel, alwais turning back with its Heart lusting
after Egypt. The Second seeth God and its life is preserved, its
face alwais turned Caananwarts and its Heart with Joshua and
Caleb (Joshua signifieth Aid, Salvation, Conservation; Caleb, full
of heart, courageous, undaunted, faithfull) stands faithfull and
seeth Ye salvation of God, being filled with the fervent and only
desire of attaining the same. The first is in continual fear of
Death, and what he feareth cometh upon him (Num. 14, 38; Prov.
10, 24). The Second is undaunted and liveth (Num. 14, 30, 31)
and puts his feet upon the necks of his enemies (Jos. 10, 24; Psal.
94, 13). The Second deriveth its origen from the First, and dying
to this riseth and liveth in God : The First when He dyeth, liveth
in the Second (This is a great Mystery and wants an Explana-
tion else it may be misconstrued, but I hope you are no Stranger
to it). The Second liveth under Moses as well as the First as
long as Moses liveth (Gal. 4, i ; Rom. 7), but is hidd inward; by
chance he is called the inward Man in the Tabernacle, from which
He never departeth (Exod. 33, 11). But when Moses Dyeth the
New Man, being arrived now to his Manhood, appears from his
inward state outwardly to the Terror of his enemies (see of this
coming forth Cant. 3, 6; and 8, 5) of Whose Land he taketh Pos-„
session (Num. 27, 15; Deut. 3, 21-end). I will not draw the
Parallism further, since a word to the Wise is enough. And since
we have orally conferred of the First state, viz: — of Ye Barren
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Wilderness, let us insist a little upon the Mystery of the Second.
In which Fruitfull Wilderness we enjoy the leading Cloud by
day, out of which so many drops of the heavenly Dew (Psal. 33,
3) as a Baptism of Grace upon us do fall. This is a Day of Joy
and triumph, when the Holy Ghost moves and stirreth the waters
in our Hearts so that this living spring difEuseth it self through the
Eyes in a sweet and JoyfuU Gush of Tears : O Thou blessed water-
baptism, who would not desire to be Baptized with thee every day.
But there followeth a night also upon this Day, w^herein neverthe-
less the Pillar of Fire is our Guide, refining us as Gold in the
Furnace, which is the Baptism of Fire of Ye Son, and is indeed
terrible to the old Birth, but bright and light to the New; for she
learneth by this to be resigned and say ' Not my will, O Father !
but Thine be done.' Thus our Tears are our Meat, yea, our
Manna, not only by Day but also in the darkest Night (Psal. 42,
3; 80, 5). The most bitter Myrrh (which ccnditeth the old man
in his Grave) hath the most sweetest Sweet hid in herself. For
the Tree of the Cross and the Yoak of the Beloved doth but
sweeten the bitter water of Affliction and sufferings in Mara ( Exod.
15; Matt. 11). The darkest sorrow contains in herself the most
inward Joy and Gladness (2 Cor. 6, 10). Darkness is like the
Light (Psal. 139, 12). To dye is in this pleasant Wilderness to
grow lively. Poverty maketh rich. Hunger is the most desirable
Meat, and Thirst the most refreshing Nectar (Math. 5, 6). To
be nothing is to be Deified (2 Pet. i, 4). To have nothing is to
enjoy all (2 Cor. 12, 10). To become weak is the greatest
strength.
Disquietness is the surest Peace (2 Cor. 7, 10). No work no
Pain doth tire, for the more we work the stronger we grow (Gen.
32, 24), and yet we do experimentally find that the greatest weak-
ness hath the greatest strength hid in herself (Cant. 2, 5). Oh
everblessed Wilderness thou rejoyceth and blossometh as a Rose!
yea, thou blossometh abundantly and rejoyceth even with Joy and
Singing. The glory of Libanon is given unto thee, the Excellency
of Carmel and Sharon! In thee we see the Glory of our Lord,
The Journal of Kelpiiis. ■ 89
and the Excellency of our God! In thee our weak Hands are
Strengthened and our feeble Knees confirmed (Esa. 35, i). Who
would not desire to be a Denizon in Thee? Who would not de-
light to trace thy Solitary and lonesom walks? O! ye Inhabi-
tants of this happy desolation, bless and kiss that gentle hand of that
Divine Sophia who at the first did so wittily allure you, when she
intended to bring you into this Wilderness, for to speak to your
Heart, in order to search and trie the same! Do not forsake her,
untill she hath given you from hence your Possessions, and the
hindermost Valley for the opening of your understanding (Hos.
2, 14, 15, according to the LXX Achor signifying hindermost,
farthest, comp. Exod. 3, i, Syrach 4, 17-28).
— This Valley of Achor, or hindermost Cavity, leads me to the
consideration of a Wilderness yet of a higher (further) degree
than the Second, which it exceeds by so much as the second does
the First. We may call it the WILDERNESS OF THE
ELECT OF GOD, as being traced but by few, and none but
peculiarly chosen Vessels of Honour and Glory.
I shall bring but four Instances for this, Two out of Ye Old
and Two out of the New Test. The first is Moses, that great
Prophet and mediator between God and the Israel, according to
the Flesh, who, as the Acts 2, 7, give us to understand, had a Reve-
lation that He should deliver Israel out of Egypt, whilst He was
yet in the court of Pharao; which, as he would put in Execution,
miscarried of the Enterprise through the fault of the People,
whereupon he fled into the Wilderness, where he remained 40
years. What He did there is nowhere described, only that towards
the end of the 40 years He led his Flock to the Backside (or
rather to the hindermost or furthest) Desert. And there the
Angel of the L(ord) appeared unto him out of a burning Bush,
in order to send him in embassage to King Pharao. But so for-
ward as Moses was at the first to go, when he had got only an
Intimation or Manifestation or Revelation or Inspiration or Mo-
tion (or what we may call it) of what He now was to do, without
any express Commission and Credentials (Viz. Miricales and
go The Pennsylvania-German Society.
Signs). So backward was he now to go, when he got express orders
and extraordinary Credentials, so that we may easily find what he
had done during the 40 years in the Wilderness having the two
extremes, viz., his Presumption and fervent Zeal at first in which
he killed the Egyptian, and his great Humility and meekness at last
when God would send him, which last is Symbolically typified by
his leading his Sheep by Ye Backside or deepest of the Wilderness.
Whereas formerly when his firy Quality was not yet thoroughly
tinctured and Metamorphosed into the Lamlike nature. He led his
flock, but, as it were, on the Brim and foreside of the Wilderness,
of which I had more to say, but lest the Letter should exceed its
bounds, I must hasten to the next Instance, which is Fleyah and
runs into many things paralell to the first Witness. Read the his-
tory I Kings 6, 29. He was a very zealous and had slain the Priests
of Baal, as Moses had the Egyptian. They did seek his life, as the
Egyptians did Moses his. He made his escape and fled into the
Wilderness as Moses did. Moses his 40 years was turned to him in
40 days, He came at last into the Hindermost Wilderness to the
Mount of God Horeb, the very same where Moses saw the Vision,
And here God appeared unto him, and gave him a gentle Repri-
mende as touching his Zeal and Presumtions. Shewing him withal,
that the great and strong winde and the Earthquake and the Fire
(wherein Elijah's his Ministry had consisted) did indeed go before
the L(ord), but that the Lord did not dwell therein, but in the
still ae thereall creating voice and that there were yet 7000 left
besides him that had not bowed unto nor kissed Baal ; though they
were hid and imknown to him, and had not ministered publiquily
with storming and quaking and burning Jealousy as he had done.
Thereupon being Condemned to substitute another in his Room
(viz: to edifie, whereas hitherto he had but destroyed), he was
soon after taken up into Paradise, by the same element wherein he
had ministered. This Eleijah leads to Ye first Wilderness in the
New Testament, the Claus of the old John, the Precursor of the
Messiah, who after his education was also in the Wilderness, till
the day of his Shewing unto Israel in the Spirit and Power of
The Journal of Kelphis. 91
Eleijah, baptizing with water to Repentance, as the first Eleijah
had baptized with Fier for Destruction. What he did in the
Wilderness is not described, but by that what hath been said we
may safely conclude that he was gratified there for his so great a
Ministry. That God appeared also unto him there appeareth out
of what he saith himself (Job. i, 33). He that sent me to Bap-
tize the same said unto me. I will not draw the Parallelism any
further, lest I should prove tedious at least. That like as the ac-
corded of him who succeeded Eleijah, raised the dead man (2 Reg.
13, 21), so He who succeeded John, by his death became the Head,
the Spring, the Principle and cause of Life and Resurrection unto
all that believed in Him, both for Soul and Body. This is the last
and greatest Witness I am to produce JESUS the Messiah of God,
our God and Saviour, the centre of all, who also in likeness of the
first Lawgiver Moses was 40 days (the 40 years of Moses being
thus abridged) in the Wilderness and tempted there with all
manner of Temptations (though without sin, wherein He hath the
only Prerogative above all, Heb. 4, 15; 2, 28). The Scripture in-
deed maketh mention of his firey trials (i Pet. 4, 12), But no-
where saith what they was or are. They cannot be described ; it is
only experience which can teach them best. The three temptations
that happened at the End of the 40 days (Matt. 4) centre in this:
// He was the Son of God or Not! which indeed hath more to say
than is commonly supposed. The very Ground of the Christian
Religion circling therein and is founded thereupon, as appears from
Matt. 16, 16; Joh. II, 27; I Job. 4, 15; 5. 5; and is the greatest
Stumbling block to the Jews (Joh. 19, 7) and to the Turks, the
Latter believing that Jesus the Son of Mary (as they style him)
is the word of God incarnate, and that he is anointed to the Holy
Ghost above all the Prophets and above Mahomed, and that he is
to be the Judge of the Quick and Dead and of Mahomed himself;
but that He is the Son of God they cannot believe, for, say they,
God is a Spirit and cannot beget a man for his Son, &c. And no
wonder, this being a Mystery surpassing all humane and Angeelicall
understanding; nor is it to be found out by the same, it depending
92 The Pennsylvania-German Society.
solely from the Revelation of the Father, like as that of the Father
depends from the Reception of the Son and M. K., is yet to answer
the? Why Jesus being God of very God, became to be Man and
died ? The Prophets and Patriarchs have been tempted indeed w^ith
great Temptations, but none like this, none of the Nature of this,
they being not capable of the same, as being the Sons of God
through Faith in Him, vi^ho being God, was to be made Man
(Exod. 3, 14, where it should have been interpreted: I Shall be,
what I shall be, viz: — Man) as we through Faith in Him who was
God and is made Man. But Jesus having past this firy ordeal.
He received the Almightiness from his Father, whereof he made no
bragging Ostentation, as Robbers make of their Pray, but humbled
himself unto the death even the death of the Cross, styling himself
at this side of the Grave only the son of Man (or mankind, the
Greek word denoting both the Sexes) though He was the son of
God : Wherefore God also by the Resurrection from the Dead
powerfully declared him to be his Son (Rom. i, 4; Psal. 2. Act.)
exalting him above all, Lord over all worlds, visible and invisible,
this and that which is to come (Eph. i, 2; Phil. 2, 6-1 1).
To these four I will add two more out of the Scripture, pass-
ing by the rest (Heb. 11, 38). This first is David, that man after
God's own Heart, who was 10 years in the Wilderness and exer-
cised in continual Sufferings and Sorrows (as his Psalms bear wit-
ness) before He was installed in the Kingdom, to which He was
chosen and annointed so many years before. The second is that great
Apostle of the Gentiles Paulj who abided seven years in the Deserts
of Arabia (Gal. I, 17, and as the antient Church Records bear
witness), before he went out for the Conversion of the Gentiles, I
could produce a whole Cloud of such chosen Vessels out of the
antient Records of the first Christians, who beeing prepared in the
Wild's some for 10, some for 20, some for 40 years, after their
coming forth converted whole Cities, wrought signs and Miracles,
was to their Disciples as living Oracles, as the mouth of God
through whom he fed and guided them, but having exceeded the
limits of a letter allready, I must stop the Vein which so liberally
The Journal of Kelpius. 93
would diffuse it self; I hope what hath been said manifested to the
full, that God hath prepared alwais his most eminent Instruments
in the Wilderness.
When we consider now with a serious introversion of our minds
those Three states of the Wild's, we shall find That there is no
entring into the first Wild's without a going out of Spiritual Egj'pt;
and so consequently no entring into the second without passing the
first; And so on, no entring into the Third without passing the
second state.
We shall find in the next place, that like as there is a long
Struggling and Groaning under the Egyptian Burdens before the
delivery from the same ensueth. So there is a long contest between
the first and second Birth in their Wilderness-Station before the
Second is set at perfect Liberty and made ready to enter and possess
Caanan : But how long the Parallelism of the second and third state
may run together, and where the Borders of each meet together or
if there be any Borders at all, I'll leave to higher graduated Souls
than mine is to enquire; by it to speak my mind: me thinks the
Childhood and Manhood may both well consist with the second
state, and one may arrive to the manhood in Christ without ever
entering the Third Station, this being only for some chosen Vessels
for a peculiar administration which requires also peculiar and extra-
ordinary Qualifications and Endowments, which they are to acquire
and make trial of in this Third Station before they appear and
show themselves to the Israel of God. So that every one that is to
enter the Third must of necessity be acquainted with the second and
first. But not every one that hath entered the Second and after
he is even with the first must also enter the Third Station.
By the consideration of the Third State we shall find what a
wighty thing it is to appear and to show oneself to the Israel of
God, as immediately called chosen and sent by the Lord. Such a
being made, as Paul saith (i Cor. 4, 9) a Spectacle to the World
and to Angels and to Men. And what good reason Moses had to
resist so hard when he was sent, whom God having heard the crey
and Prayers of his People, did force as it were and thrust or cast
94 The Pennsylvania-German Society.
forth (see Matt, ii, 38) where It should have been thurst or
forth instead of sent forth). And what a great presumption it is,
on the other Hand, to go forth without being thus duly prepared
beforehand. For though such may have inspirations, Revelations,
Motions and the like Extraordinary Favours ; yea, may have arrived
at the very Manhood in Christ (which truly is a high attainment),
yet they will effect and build nothing, but only (if they do any thing
at all) destroy, as we see in the instances of Moses and EHas,
before they had been in that Wild's. Yea, there is no small Danger
of loosing themselves and to bruise and grind that good seed, which
was not designed for Meat but for increase, not for to be sent forth
but to be kept in an honest and Good Heart. (Luc. — ). Such
are indeed with Child, they are in pain, but (as the common
Translation saith, Esa. 26, 28, and as the common experience
wittnesseth to be so) they bring forth as it were but Winde, they
make no deliverance in the earth, neither do the Inhabitants of the
World fall ; Whereas if they was duly prepared and had stood the
firey ordeal it would fare with them, not as with the common, but
as the Translation the first Christians made use of hath it : Through
thy Tears Lord we have conceived and have been in Pain of Birth,
and have brought forth the Spirit of Salvation, which Salvation we
have wrought on Earth; we shall not fall, but all that dwell on
Earth shall fall.
I had many Considerations more to add, as also what the Wilder-
ness it self is in each of these States, having spoken only of some
of the Inhabitants thereof and of some of their Qualities and
Circumstances, and this rather under a veil and, as it were, but
glancing at the Marrow and Substance. Nor have I counted the
number of the Wilderness-Time, but touched only the root thereof,
which is 40 Sun-Days for the New Birth and 42 Moons or Nights
for the Old (which last I have not so much as mentioned).
Neither have I measured from the Red-Sea of the Old Birth to the
Jordan of the New, and a hundred such things more. But my
beloved and esteemed Friend ! this was to write a Volume and not
a Letter, And I begin allmost to fear that I have ventured too much
The Journal of Kelphis.
95
upon your Patience this first time, not considering also the wall
between us. Oh ! that we may behold our Beloved alwais, standing
behind our Wall, looking forth att the Window, shewing himself
thorow the Lattesse, saying Rise up my Love, my fair one and
come away (Cant. 29, 10). To whose Love-embraces leaving you,
I remain,
Your sincere, though unworthy Friend,
J.K.
RocKSBORROW, 1706, d. 25, Maji.
For Hesther Pallmer,
In Long-Island in Flushing.
X.
KELPIUS'S " METHOD OF PRAYER."
OW concerned Magister Kelpius
was for the spiritual welfare of
the German settlers in Penn's Colony
on the Delaware, where every effort
was made by the Quakers to incorporate
the Germans in their fold, is shown by
the compilation by Kelpius of a little
prayer book of 32 pages, six inches by
3^/2 inches. The title of this brochure
was „@ine ^urtjeimb Segreiflige anieitung
pm ftillen ©e6et."
No copy of the original edition, so
far as known, has come down to us. It is said to have been
printed by Reynler Jansen, about the year 1700, and was
the first German devotional book to be printed in the west-
96 The Pennsylvania-German Society.
W$\ttt\
^€mnacfj Da^ inntxt @ebdl m fo rt)icb*
ticjer ^unct ifl/ Dag man Dalfdbe D \^
Die (aufere uninterejfirte Ciebe in unferii «der^eti
anjuric&ten; iint> Da alle C^v3|len(«?dc^e fblcbe
in Dcv '■^l)at feijn n)oHen) ju Diefem @tanD De^
(autern liebc unD ^ollfcmmenbdt fcruffen pnD^
unD Dcnenfdbcn fraft Diefe^ ^uf^ Die ni5tS)ige
(Bna&e Dar_(jereicl^et n)ir&; urn fotcSen ©fdnD ju
evreicben t fo fc&icf t fic& Diefe^ iiihere (Debet fuiJ
(jjleyfej) ^^rfonen; ;a fo .^ar auci) fur Die dller^
fi'mpelfle mt> alferDumlle £eufe^ a(^ ttjeld^e ictU
c^erlei? ?iit De^ ©cbet^ fd^i^ pnD; unD e^ ^er*
nc^ten Unmt\,
^i brtngf un^ Dajftlbe am allcvbafDi^en jw
FIRST PAGE OF FRANKLIN AND ARMBUSTER'S EDITION OF 1756.
THE ONLY COPY IN THE COLLECTION OF JULIUS F. SACHSE.
Kelpius's ''Method of Prayer." 97
ern world, nor is it known whether this was printed with
German or Latin type.^
A second German edition was printed by Frankhn and
Armbruster in 1756, of which the only known copy is in
the collection of the writer. There evidently was no gen-
eral title page; the printers and date are known from the
advertisements in the local paper.
A facsimile of the first page with its half title ^^urjer
SSegriff ober Ieic^te§ 3)littet 511 23eten ober mit ©ott ju reben/'
is shown upon the opposite page, following is Dr. Chris-
topher Witt's translation of the text :
"For as much as internal Prayer is so
Weighty a Point, that one may call
it the only means to attain to Per-
fection in this Life, and to kindle the Pure
and disinterested Love in our Heart's; and
as all Christians (luho zvill indeed be such)
are Called to this State of pure Love and per-
fection, and will, by the power of this call
have the necessary Grace offered to them
to attain such a State. So this inzvard
prayer suits all persons, even the most
Simple and ignorant, who are also capable of
performing this Order or Manner of prayer.
This brings us soonest to the Union with
and Conformity to the Will of God! "
Dr. Christopher Witt- who translated this pamphlet
into English was an English physician and mystic, who
joined the mystical community on the Wissahickon in the
1 C/. " German Pietists in Provincial Pennsylvania," Phila., Kelpius,
1895, p. 102.
- Ibid.
98 The Pennsylvania-German Society.
year 1704, and died in 1765 at the advanced age of ninety
years, being the last survivor of the Kelpius community on
the Wissahickon.
Dr. Witt's English translation was first printed by
Henry Miller, the German printer of Philadelphia, in the
year 1761, whose establishment was on Second Street next
to the corner of Race Street. Dr. Witt gave a copy of
this edition to Christian Lehman of Germantown, who
had been one of his students, who made the following
notes upon the back of the title and last page of his copy,
viz. :^
Reverse of Title: _ ^_
Christian Lehman, Favore, Christophori, De Witt, Natus, lOth
November 1 67 5 in Wiltshire in England. Given xbr: Sth A'^
Dom. 1763, Denatus at Germantown, January joth, A*^ Dom 1765
Buried February ist 1765, Etatis Sue Sg years 2 months 20 days
Natus loth Novemb'' A. D. 1675.
On last page:
The foregoing was originally composed in the German Tongue
by John Kelpius a German and was Translated into English by
Christopher Witt who died January joth 1765, aged 89 yrs 2 mo.
20 days.
Dr. Witt was buried in the Warner burying ground on
the hill top back of the Warner house, at the corner of the
Main and High Street, locally known as "Spook hill."^
A part of this ground is now covered by the chancel of St.
Michael's P. E. Church, under the floor of which rest his
remains.
Two years later, 1763, a second edition of the English
version of Kelpius's pamphlet was published at German-
3 For full account of Dr. Witt, cf. ibid., pp. 402-418.
* Cf. pp. 419-430-
Kelphis's "Method of Prayer."
99
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100
The Pennsylvania-German Society.
town by Christopher Sower, as the title states, " The Sec-
ond edition with addition." No copy with any additional
matter has thus far been found. The copy printed by Sower
in the Historical Society is merely a reprint of the Miller
edition of 1761.
Facsimiles of title pages of both English editions are
shown upon the opposite page. The originals are in the
Historical Society of Pennsylvania.
Magister Johannes Kelpius was small of stature, slight
in frame, and suffered from an affection or paralysis of the
left eyelid; he was of a frail constitution, which soon broke
down under frugal fare and abstemious habits and the ex-
tremes of our variable climate.
Kelpius died in the year 1708, at the early age of thirty-
five. He was buried with the rites of the Mystical com-
munity at sunset by his brethren. His resting place is not
known.
Julius F. Sachse.
September 20, 1916.
121
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